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Expert: John McKenna, CMI - 11/8/2007


Question
We are in the process of buying a home, that has been forclosed. The sellers have taken two weeks and still have not paid to get the water turned on, in order for us to do the option period, for inspections. Turning the water on...this is something that the seller has to provide for us to get the inspections done, isn't it?

Answer
You are very wise to get the water turned on so you can have a full home inspection done.  Do not close on the sale of the property until this is done, or you may discover some unpleasant surprises later.

I do not know what your contract says or what state laws you are under, so you may need to get further advise as to the legal requirements for your area.

If your water is not turned on then your inspection will be incomplete and you will not know the full details of possible defects that may relate to the following:

* Hot water heater
* Plumbing leaks
* Water pressure
* Fixture working or not
* Valves not working properly
* Drain line problems
* If hot water lines connected to all outlets
* Leaks in plumbing in the yard
* Condition and appearance of water coming into house
* and more...

Good luck and I hope this helps you.

Thanks,

John McKenna, CMI
Certified Master Inspector
Certified Thermographer
American Home Inspection
http://texas-inspection.com

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John 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

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