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 We just had a home inspection and the inspector found moisture (wet boards) just below the concrete patio which is elevated and slopes towards the house. Also found leaks below both bathtubs beneath house with wet wood. Sellers don't want to make any repairs because house is priced well below assesssed value. Do you think we should push for these repairs or is it something we can take care of ourselves. We are getting an FHA loan and don't they require repairs of moisture damage and wood rot?
thanks for your help.
Answer I would advise that you have a qualified Professional do an invasive inspection in all areas that are affected by moisture or could be close to those areas (moisture can flow and spread out).
Moisture can be conducive to fungi-mold, decay, wood destroying insects and electrical corrosion if the moisture gets into the electrical fixtures. Each of these items is a big deal and needs to be verified and repaired BEFORE you purchase the property. If not, you are buying the unknown conditions and you may not like the surprise. Hidden moisture issue do not always show up by looking at the exterior surface only.
Moisture is the number ONE enemy of a building and you should not gamble with it, unless you are prepared for the possibility of some expensive surprises. Trust me on this.
