Published: June 17, 2007 12:03 am            

Buy only the home you properly inspect

EDMOND — I’m a fan of the TV show “CSI Miami.” When the show’s writers feature technology that is capable of extracting the killer’s DNA from the wings of a butterfly that just “happened” to fly through a crime scene, I’m justifiably blown away. And who could ask for a more unbiased judge than Horatio? I know he reads the scripts, but c’mon he’s the man! He’s the law, and once he’s on the case, no one escapes his long arm.

It’s too bad we can’t employ the services of a CSI division when it comes time to purchase a home. Horatio approaches the house and parks his Hummer in the street. Stepping out of the vehicle, dressed in his black suit and open collar shirt, he greets the Realtor by facing just slightly sideways, removing his ultra dark sunglasses, and with his trademarked head tilt and emotionless voice he asks, “… And you are?”

Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments any of us will ever make. We want to be positive the home is everything we want it to be. This includes more than a leak-proof roof and air-tight windows and doors. The only way we have of putting to rest any of our concerns is to hire a quality home inspector.

If I could make one point to anyone purchasing an existing home it would be to hire the best home inspector you can afford. And don’t grouse about the fee. Like any good cop the most important part of their job is the discovery phase. Before the officer makes an arrest and charges the suspect with the crime he builds a solid case. Homebuyers should follow the same course and do their best to remain unemotionally involved before the home has been thoroughly inspected.

Some of the more obvious items on the inspector’s list can be summarized by the acronym S.P.E.W. —by the way, if the house doesn’t pass inspection, you should spew this house out of your options for purchase.

STRUCTURE: A careful examination of the interior doors and walls as well as the exterior masonry will reveal any suspected shifts in the home’s foundation. If these are found it can be a dangerous assumption they can be easily and affordably corrected with a quick foundation lift. Should foundation problems arise, it is most likely advisable to secure the services of a structural engineer and use their written report as directions to address any needed repairs. This careful inspection also should be addressed to the pool and hot tub.

PLUMBING: Few things can make a home uninhabitable as quickly as faulty plumbing. Anything from faulty toilet flow valves to emergency shut off valves beneath toilets and sinks or aging or rusted hot water heaters. The inspector also should check the duct work of the closed air system for integrity at keeping the treated air in and water and dust out. This is especially true if the duct work is installed in the floor of the home.

ELECTRICAL: Home improvement has reached a new level of do-it-yourself mania. In our efforts to save money on home repairs — and to bolster our fragile male egos — many homeowners have tried their hand at home electronic upgrades and/or repairs. This usually is not a problem if all that is attempted is to replace a wall switch or an outlet. But when it comes to running power to another part of the home or the landscaping, proper electrical trade knowledge is indispensable. Improperly installed electrical junctions and unprotected connections are a major cause of house fires. Your inspector will be able to properly inspect the electrical system that is seen inside the house and that part of the system that is tucked away in the attic.

WATERSHED: Curb appeal is one thing, but your inspector will be able to help you look beyond the new landscaping to uncover the hidden problems of adequate yard drainage. The recent record rain fall we’ve experienced in Edmond makes this issue more critical than ever. Before you agree to purchase the home with a beautiful backyard, make certain you’re not buying the neighborhood waterfall.

(Trey Bowden is a licensed mortgage professional in Edmond.)

        

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