You
will never know for certain until you live there, but you can protect
yourself. Hire an experienced home inspector to check all of the structure
and systems, including
the roof, heating, plumbing, electric
and air conditioning.
A home inspection will cost you
between $250 and $500. If you can, have the home inspected after you put
in an offer, but before you sign a contract. If you are in hurry to sign a
contract, make sure that it is contingent upon the approval of a
professional home inspector.
You should also check around the
house yourself before you make an offer. Look for soft spots in the floors
and fresh paint on the ceiling. This could indicate water damage. Turn all
lights on and off and check the water. Turn on the air and the heat to
make sure they work. Look for water in the basement and check all
appliances for wear and tear. Being really observant can save you a lot of
time, money and disappointment.
