What Really Matters
Defective items in a home
Property patent defects, latent defects and safety hazards are important to know about! Your dream home can turn into a nightmare!
A home inspection gives you peace of mind. The detailed report includes photographs, environmental reports, and the home inspector’s professional opinion. The report will mainly cover maintenance recommendations, life expectancies for various systems and components, and minor defects.
Property patent and latent defects that really matter will fall into four categories:
- Major property defects, e.g. structural failure;
- Things that lead to major property patent and latent defects, e.g. small roof-flashing leak;
- Things that may hinder your ability to obtain finance, legally occupy, or insure the home;
- Safety hazards e.g. exposed wiring in the electrical panel.
You can often repair serious problems cheaply, protecting both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).
Patent defects are easily seen and obvious. Latent defects and safety issues uncovered during an inspection are often surprising to honest sellers. In addition, it should be noted that the seller is not always required to repair everything or anything described in the report.
No home is perfect! Keep things in perspective. Furthermore, do not kill your deal over things that do not matter. Moreover, don’t expect a seller to repair deferred maintenance faults already listed on the seller’s disclosure or nit-picky items.
Inspected Once, Inspected Right!®