Following these steps creates a chain of accountability in which you free yourself from any liability regarding damages in rental properties that already existed prior to you moving in. Additionally, documented proof of requests for repairs that have either been ignored or neglected by the property manager ensures that you have the required proof you need to escape liability should the property manager then try to bill you for the damages after you leave the property.

When dealing with damages in a home you intend, requests for repair are usually handled during the contract negotiations, but it is always wise to obtain a copy of the home inspection report as further proof of any damages or potential problems in the home.

In co-ops, townhomes and condos, things may be a little different. Typically, the property management company is only responsible for repairs related to the structure and the outside of the property. Any repairs within your unit are usually your responsibility. However, by having a home inspection done prior to moving in, you can hold the previous owner liable for any repairs that need to be performed.

But a professional, licensed home inspector in New York will attempt to note every potential problem in a home, no matter haw small and nitpicky they may seem. This is for the mutual benefit of both the buyer and the seller. Additionally, if something is not noted in an inspector’s report that later becomes a problem, a lawsuit could be filed against the home inspector. Noting potential problems before a sale also protects the sellers from future lawsuits as well.

It must be understood that while a crack in a wall or a stain on the floor or ceiling may very well be nothing indicative of future problems, or proof of a problem that existed in the past but has since been fixed, there is sometimes no way for the home inspector to be certain of the cause. But if there had been adequate repair work done previously, then it should also be noted, allowing the buyers to follow-up and receive confirmation.

There’s no denying that some dads may possess a wealth of knowledge about electrical wiring, plumbing, construction, or maybe even all three. But licensed home inspectors in NY possess extensive knowledge of all trades involved in the building and construction of a house, and are specially trained to look for potential problems that others, even your dad, just won’t see.

Even a newly constructed home is bound to have a defect or two. In order to be certain that everything has been inspected thoroughly, it is best to rely upon a professionally licensed home inspector in NY. But don’t worry, you don’t have to leave your dad out of the process; allow him to be present when the home inspection is being performed.  He’s bound to want to add in his two cents, and the home inspector shouldn’t mind too much!

If you feel that the home inspector you initially decided to use might not be the best, for whatever reason, then you should have no qualms about choosing another. And always, ALWAYS make sure that you receive a copy of the inspection report, and provide a copy to your client as well. If for some reason you are unable to retain a report from the inspector, then you must arrange for another home inspection by a different home inspector. You should never allow a house to close without the inspection report in hand.

You should also be sure to include your client in the inspection process if possible; if they reside in the area, then you should have them come to the home inspection so that they can hear the inspectors concerns firsthand.
If you allow a sale to close without ever having received a report, or if you have arranged for an unlicensed home inspector to perform the inspection, then you might be found liable for the cost of any repairs that need to be made after the closing is potential problems are found in the home.

Any agent who claims otherwise is usually dishonest, ignorant, or both, and the statement should raise a red flag immediately in the buyer’s mind.If the sellers or the seller’s agent do claim to have had a home inspection done previously, then ask to be provided with a copy of the report. Additionally, any reputable agent will always recommend that you hire your own agent.If you have a home inspection performed shortly after the sale and potential problems are discovered, it is not to late to negotiate with the seller for the cost of the repairs.

Several factors may come into play, such as the terms of the contract, and the seller’s inspection report, if in fact one was provided, and of course whether either home inspector was licensed. Discuss your options with your agent and the sellers, and your real estate attorney if necessary.

For one thing, your home may possess problems you have been previously unaware of. Having your own home inspector discover these problems early allows you to repair them on your own terms, without having to renegotiate a sale price or a cost for repairs with a buyer who later conducts their own home inspection.

Additionally, you will be able to establish an as-is sale basis in the contract by being able to competently disclose any known defects in the initial stages of the transaction.Hiring a professional, licensed home inspector is a key factor. You want to ensure that your own home inspection discovers any and all potential problems, so that you are not surprised when the buyer’s home inspector also states that there are defects (assuming they have not already been previously repaired).

Wood damage of a particular is a sure sign that termites may be present. However, more than a cursory inspection may be necessary, as termites devour wood from the inside out, leaving behind nothing but a bit of wood grain. Wood that has been fed upon by termites may sound hollow when tapped, and might even break if the damage is extensive.

Another sign of termites will be the long tubes of mud built along the ground leading to your home from their nest. The termites build these tubes in order to remain protected when traveling, and to help them retain moisture. These tubes are easy to spot if they run across concrete perhaps, but more difficult to detect if they are built along the side of a foundation, or behind siding.

One of the earlier signs of a termite infestation is a termite swarm. This can take place both inside or outside of a home, but usually last for only a brief amount of time, and often when homeowners are not present to see it. The termite swarm occurs when a group of termites, numbering anywhere from hundreds to thousands, leaves their colony to begin a new one elsewhere.
Another sign of termites results from the termite swarm. After the swarm, when termites disappear into the interior of a home, they shed their wings. These discarded wings can be found in various areas around the foundation of the home, such as windowsills or along the floor.

A fifth sign of termites is termite droppings, also known as frass. These usually appear in small piles beneath pieces of termite infested wood.

Safe Harbor Inspection, Long Island’s premier home inspection service company will guarantee your termite inspection. Contact Safe Harbor Inspections for complete details.

Sometimes the signs of a leak may be rather obvious to spot, but a licensed home inspector can spot a variety of warning signs that may signal the beginning of a problem that could soon worsen if left untreated.

More often than not, a home inspector may simply tell you that the home needs a new roof without explaining exactly why. If this happens, do not be afraid to ask questions in order to gain a better understanding of what the warning signs or problems are.
Typical problems may range from simple wear and tear to extensive water damage. Some problems may also stem from improper installation. Older homes will usually need some type of repair or maintenance.

Ceiling stains are a classic sign of a leaky roof; however, it can be hard to determine if the stains are the result of an old leak or if the leak is still active. Additionally, there is the possibility that the stains were actually caused by leaky pipes.

Sagging ceilings can also indicate water intrusion, or the result of condensation buildup due to poor ventilation. Water intrusion can be quite common around specific areas, such as chimneys or skylights. Sometimes a simple patch might be all that is required, but if the leak has been occurring over a long period of time, then extensive water damage might also be present.

For more information about home inspection, visit Safe Harbor Inspections, Inc., an owner operated company dedicated solely to providing the best home inspections service on Long Island, New York.

When choosing a home inspector, you should always ensure that they are indeed licensed. An individual claiming to be a home inspector that is unlicensed may not possess the experience, knowledge, and specialized training that a licensed home inspector does.

A professional, licensed home inspector has undergone extensive training regarding a multitude of disciplines related to home inspection. Even someone familiar with construction will not have the necessary training to look for and spot potential problems in a home. Licensed home inspectors in NY utilized special equipment and carefully and thoroughly examine key aspects of a home, and follow a strict code of ethics in order to remain impartial and trustworthy.

Qualified home inspectors in NY are also certified by reputable Home Inspection associations such as ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors). ASHI members must pass a very difficult test, adhere to demanding standards, and continue their education.
At Safe Harbor Inspections, Inc. all home inspectors are licensed by the State of New York and are members of, and certified by several associations and institutions. As a full service home inspection company serving Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens and NY, we are dedicated to providing the best home inspections service, focusing on high quality residential inspections and state-of-the-art photographic reports.