AboutJohn McKenna, CMI Expertise I can answer your question about home inspections and the hidden aspects of of the industry. I own American Home Inspection for east Texas and am a Certified Master Inspector. Sometimes there are questions about buying and selling a home that a qualified and honest home inspector can answer. Many people are led to believe incomplete information about repair items and make costly mistakes when they respond. If you do not know enough information or know what to ask, you can buy a nightmare instead of a home. Is your home inspector working for you or the Realtor? Is the owner of the home telling the truth? How do you make sure the contractor who makes repairs will do it right? Is the Realtor moving too fast and causing a person to make hasty choices? What are some of the things the Realtor does not want you to know? What you discover after you are the owner of the home and then decide to sell? What type of box can the home inspector put you in when the new buyer is now inspecting your home? What can you do if the home inspector was negligent? How do you prepare for a home inspection? What should you do with the home inspection report at the negotiating table? What are the signs of sheeple being led to the slaughter? Why do some realtors hate the "deal killer" home inspector? What type of action can you take now to protect yourself from law suite after someone buys your home? When is something a minor or major problem? What are the most common problems found in a home inspection? What can you do to prepare for a home inspection? What questions can you ask the home inspector so you choose the right one? The list goes on and on... "The truth will make you free"
Experience Over 25 years experience in construction and board certified as a Certified Master Inspector. Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission as a Professional Home Inspector (TREC #4565) and Certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI).
Education/Credentials Certified Master Inspector (CMI)
National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI)
Licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC #4565) See more info: http://texas-inspection.com
Question I am looking to buy a 2700 sq foot house that was built in 2006 and has never been lived in. The house is now a short sale and I am considering purchasing it. One problem, the owners let the heating oil run out and some of the baseboard heat copper pipes broke. The damage seems mostly to the wood floors on the first floor but some carpet was wet as well. Most of the wood floors on the first floor have buckled and I see about a 2X2 foot area of tiles that seems to have risen up a little but not really loose. The capret got a little we on the upstairs floor as well. The realtor stated that they found that floors covered in maybe 1 inch of water which has been sitting for about 1 day. I was wondering what the chances of there being damage to the furnace and the chances of the home having a mold problem. I pulled back on part of the carpet and it seemed to be ok and I also went into the basement and the ceiling seemed to be dry, no mold, and like new. The basement ceiling is covered with insulation so it was hard to see much of it. Any suggestions about buying the home, it is a pretty good price and the current owner owes over $100,000 more that the asking price.
Thanks,
Todd
Answer Without some invasive repairs, professional inspections and professional mold testing then you are buying a wild card. Do not assume anything. I cannot stress enough that further evaluation is the only wise option you have, considering the the things you have told me.
