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Looking for any help as we don't have many to guide us here.
We are in contract on a home and we waived remedies to beat out other offers. We did NOT waive inspection and can get our EMD if we back out.
That said, the inspection report is starting to really worry us. We are first-time buyers and worried we are getting in over our heads but we really love this house and we have specific needs that this one fits.
Here's a summary of the biggest things. We have a structural engineer coming to look at the bolded item today and hoping to get some roof quotes tomorrow:
Worry about the structure and infrastructure of the house. For example don't worry about leaking shower heads but rather the slow drains. Also sounds like the electrical could use an upgrade/moderization so rather than worry about individual outlets and junction boxes perhaps it's time to replace the electrical. In an older home might not be easy. If access to all the electric becomes an issue then do/price things like missing covers and/or gfi outlets. Also he bowing foundation at frostline and apparent old roof(signs of leaks now?)
So infrastructure in this case would include slow drains, outdated electric/wiring ,foundation at frostline and/or old roof(if active issues now). Stuff like individual leaks, breakages, missing hardware etc are not a priority
A few things are bad. Personally the foundation bowing is the biggest, followed by electrical, plumbing and roof.
Sounds like the current owners did little to no upkeep, nor fix things before putting it on the market.
Is it priced accordingly? I would expect that home to be listed at 15% lower than homes of similar size, age and style that have been maintained (hard to know).
Looking for any help as we don't have many to guide us here.
We are in contract on a home and we waived remedies to beat out other offers. We did NOT waive inspection and can get our EMD if we back out.
That said, the inspection report is starting to really worry us. We are first-time buyers and worried we are getting in over our heads but we really love this house and we have specific needs that this one fits.
Here's a summary of the biggest things. We have a structural engineer coming to look at the bolded item today and hoping to get some roof quotes tomorrow:
...
Is this typical or are we in over our heads?
It looks fairly typical to me.
And, the foundation is #1.
The cracked flue liner is #2.
The roof is SO subjective, and without photos and actually seeing it, the inspection citation is nearly meaningless.
"Past the mid-point?"
A 16 year old, 30 year shingle is "past the mid-point," but likely will serve for many years to come, if the workmanship is good.
Why is there "generally soft sheathing?" Is there a lot of leaking and deteriorated sheathing? Or is it just a 24" on center roof deck that has some bounce to it?
After that, it is just a laundry list of nickel-dime stuff, IMO. Certainly items that need to be addressed.
But, generally a crash course in home ownership.
It looks fairly typical to me.
And, the foundation is #1.
The cracked flue liner is #2.
The roof is SO subjective, and without photos and actually seeing it, the inspection citation is nearly meaningless.
"Past the mid-point?"
A 16 year old, 30 year shingle is "past the mid-point," but likely will serve for many years to come, if the workmanship is good.
Why is there "generally soft sheathing?" Is there a lot of leaking and deteriorated sheathing? Or is it just a 24" on center roof deck that has some bounce to it?
After that, it is just a laundry list of nickel-dime stuff, IMO. Certainly items that need to be addressed.
But, generally a crash course in home ownership.
Thank you! Our engineer said we could add structural beams for ~3-5K but it wasn't urgent. We have a roofer & masonry expert coming out tomorrow so we will get a better understanding then for those two!
Thank you! Our engineer said we could add structural beams for ~3-5K but it wasn't urgent. We have a roofer & masonry expert coming out tomorrow so we will get a better understanding then for those two!
Many of those items in your list are really very small.
A lot of people, and not just first time buyers, get wound up about the count, rather than the importance of items.
Looking for any help as we don't have many to guide us here.................
Is this typical or are we in over our heads?
I think it's pretty typical. Most of it you actually saw for yourself; you just didn't know what you were looking at.
Inspector did a good job. You know exactly what you are buying and that is his job. Once you get in, make sort of a long term list of things you would like to do. If, for instance, that hot water heater was in a place where a leak (that's how they usually go bad - they leak) would cause real damage then look at replacing it. The manufacturers date is in the serial number - usually the last 2 digits. If it's out in a garage, just put it off.
Have fun! .... That's what owning a house is really about.
I'm fairly well qualified. I'm a licensed home builder, a home inspector and have owned homes since 1975.
It looks fairly typical to me.
And, the foundation is #1.
The cracked flue liner is #2.
The roof is SO subjective, and without photos and actually seeing it, the inspection citation is nearly meaningless.
"Past the mid-point?"
A 16 year old, 30 year shingle is "past the mid-point," but likely will serve for many years to come, if the workmanship is good.
Why is there "generally soft sheathing?" Is there a lot of leaking and deteriorated sheathing? Or is it just a 24" on center roof deck that has some bounce to it?
After that, it is just a laundry list of nickel-dime stuff, IMO. Certainly items that need to be addressed.
But, generally a crash course in home ownership.
You can get a handyman to address most all of the list. Take note of the age of the roof, appliances, and hot water tank. The bathroom vent probably comes out in the attic.
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