Home Inspection Info & Advice Yes, You Need A General Home Inspection; No Ifs, Ands, or Buts About It
Many people procrastinate, or decide that they do not really need a home inspection. If you are one of these people, you are making a big mistake that could end up being a very expensive lesson. You may think that you can do an inspection just as well as a professional home inspector. You may be worried about the cost, and want to save money. Or you may just be a trusting soul who believes that everyone is honest and good. Whatever the reason that you are considering not having a home inspection done, rethink it. A home inspection done by a professional...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Top Questions: Facts and Concerns About Home Inspection
It is a good idea for you to be present during the home inspection for many reasons. First, by being present you will have a chance to ask any questions you may have about the home or certain aspects. Following the inspector during the inspection will also give you a much clearer idea of what is involved with the different systems, and will help you understand the final home inspection report a lot better. Sometimes a buyer may feel confident and think that if they do a good visual inspection it is not necessary to have a home inspector come in and do an inspection. This is a common...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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All About Termites
Confirm your suspicion. If you suspect that termites have infested your property, call a professional. Professionals know all about termites. They know exactly what to look for, how to prevent them, and how to get rid of them for good. Do not hesitate to call a professional. Their knowledge about termites can save your home. They will offer one or more different treatments based on how bad the infestation is. If you are lucky, you can catch the problem before it gets out of hand and...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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How To Kill Termites
They have soft, whitish-cream colored bodies with no wings. Soldiers protect the colony by defending their nest. They also have soft, whitish- cream colored bodies and have hard, dark colored heads with strong mandibles (jaws). They do not have wings. Reproductive termites are winged. Their function is to reproduce and swarm at specific times of the year. There are three forms of reproductives: primary (which can become a queen or king if necessary), secondary, and tertiary...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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New Homes Have Their Fair Share of Problems Too
You can ensure that your new construction is built right, and just the way you want it, by following a few simple guidelines. Inspect your new construction home at every step, so that if something goes wrong or is not done correctly you can have the builder fix it right away. This is especially important for areas that will be hidden later on. If you are not happy with the quality of something, or you believe the workmanship or installation is defective, notify the builder immediately, and have the problem taken care of right away. This is your dream home, and by staying on top of the project you will ensure the best results. Remember, hire a professional home inspector to go over the finished home, do not rely on city inspections... continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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What is a Mold Inspection, and is it Necessary?
If you want a mold inspection done, it should be done by an experienced professional. Mold is present both inside and outside the home in the air, and testing may display false positives if not done correctly. A trained mold inspector not only has experience testing and inspecting mold, but they are also experienced in signs that may indicate hidden mold, such as water marks and other indications of previous water damage or flooding. Mold inspectors should also be aware of the current guidelines as well... continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Common Molds Found During A Mold Inspection, and Their Effects
A mold inspection may uncover one of the one hundred and sixty species of Aspergillus mold, out of which sixteen of these species can cause diseases in humans. These molds are the most common, and can be found in a wide variety of places. The most common of this mold species is Aspergillus fumigatus, and this variety and Aspergillus niger are the two most harmful types from this mold species. This mold is considered harmful, because... continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Enlightening Findings About Home Inspections
What this study shows us is that there are a whole lot of people who choose not to have their houses inspected--and of those who do hire an inspector, many do so only after a real estate agent suggests one. This means that many home-buyers are not yet independently convinced of the need for such an inspection. But here are some reasons--and areas of your house--that call for an inspection...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Myths You Mustn't Believe About Home Inspections
You don't have to be there as the inspection takes place. Truth: While you don't legally need to be there, it's still best if you are. This way, you'll learn how the various systems in your house operate, and you'll also gain a greater knowledge of the exact condition of the home. Also, it's easier to ask both the inspector and seller questions if you're there at the time...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Home Inspection Guide
Typically a well known home inspection company is contacted to conduct this examination. These professionals are knowledgeable about home construction, maintenance and safety and know how the systems are supposed to function or why they don't work. They are usually certified professionals who have passed a written examination and met rigorous standards to be an inspector. These people are current on the latest technology and materials along with the skills required for conducting these inspections...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Home Inspection: First Item on Your List of Things To Do
So how important is a home inspection to you? If you want to know whether the roof of your new dream home will cave in within a few months or in the near future, If you, as the buyer or renter, wanted to know if the home was wired and working correctly. If you wanted to know whether the home is in need of a new water heater, or if you wanted to know whether the basement floods. Then you should have your home inspected prior to moving in...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Tips on a Thorough Home Inspection
Set up an appointment for the home inspection with both the seller and the home inspector. Make the appointment during the daytime, when there is plenty of daylight so that flaws and problems will be noticeable instead of hidden in shadows. Allow for at least two to three hours for the home inspection, and make sure you are present. Ask questions of the home inspector, and listen to the answers closely. Make sure that you contact the seller, and that they agree to the visit by the home inspector at the specified time and day. Give the home inspector the...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Home Inspection Maintenance Checklist
If you maintain your home with periodic checkups as listed above, when you decide to sell your home, you will have fewer problems that will result in fewer repairs required. It is important to know where the electrical panel is and that they are properly labeled so that they can be easily identified if there is a problem. You should also know where your main water valve turnoff is located and the gas shut off valves so that you can easily respond in an emergency situation...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Foreclosure Deals: Fact or Fiction
Buying foreclosures can be a wise investment provided that one is well informed and goes into the situation with a plan that includes how to acquire, maintain and, ultimately, sell the property. There is absolutely no guarantee that if you purchase a home, you will be able to sell the home for a profit on any given date. In reality, this is true of all real estate, not just foreclosures. It is always possible that you will lose money, although with careful planning and research, you can minimize this risk...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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All Foreclosure Purchases Warrant an Independent Third Party Inspection
If a home goes up for auction and no one bids, the bank/lender takes the property back into possession. At this point, banks will maintain the property while attempting to sell it for the best possible price. It is a common misconception that once homes have gone into foreclosure, banks will sell them for mere pennies on the dollar. Unfortunately for buyers, this is not the case. The process of foreclosing on a mortgage is very costly to banks. In fact, the average cost -- the loss that a bank takes when a home enters foreclosure is $58,000. For this reason...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Environmental Issues with Foreclosures
The final way to purchase a foreclosure is to buy it at auction. Here's how an auction works. If the homeowner is unable to pay the mortgage and falls behind, the bank may opt to begin foreclosure proceedings, and takes back physical ownership of the home. The property is then put up for auction with a low opening bid. Buying at auction is the riskiest way to purchase, because it limits your ability to examine the property fully, and because it will be sold "as is." Auction properties carry no warranties...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Home Inspection Company
Home inspection companies specialize in performing professional evaluations of residential properties. A home inspection consists of a thorough visual examination of every aspect of a home from the structural components to individual systems, such as heating/cooling, plumbing and electrical. Home inspectors are licensed by each individual state. Although state requirements may vary somewhat, all states require both a minimum amount of classroom training, an internship/supervised home inspections and a passing score on a licensure exam...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Home Inspection Tips
Having a home inspection contingency clause written into your purchase contract is vital to protecting your interests, both now and in the future. Inspection fees are more affordable than you may imagine, and this small investment is one that can ultimately save you a good deal of time, money and heartache. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recommends that all homebuyers have prospective properties inspected prior to purchase and the law requires inspection for property that is purchased through FHA (Federal Housing Authority) backed mortgages. Many lenders will also require a home inspection... continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Big Difference Between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection
Even though a home appraisal and a home inspection are completely different, both of these steps should be done before you purchase any home. Without an appraisal, you may end up with a perceived market value for your home that is either too high or too low. An appraisal is required by any mortgage lender, and the lender usually chooses the appraiser. You do have a right to dispute the first appraisal and ask for a second appraisal to be done, but most banks will not accept an appraisal that is done by an appraiser they are not familiar with...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Certified Home Inspector in New York
Although the law requires New York State licensure, it is preferable to find a home inspector who is also certified by a nationally recognized organization such as the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI). NACHI certified inspectors are held to strict requirements, including participation in continuing education and seminars, and completion of written and practical examinations. You can be assured that if your inspector is NACHI certified, he or she is...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Real Estate Home Inspection
The areas of the home that will be examined include, at a minimum, structural components, heating and cooling, plumbing and electrical systems. Looking at the foundation, roof, ceiling and floors, windows and any supports, the inspector assesses the structural integrity of the residence. Structural problems can be the most problematic of any defects, since repairing or replacing a foundation is a very extensive project. The inspector will note the extent, nature and exact location of any defects that he or she finds. You can use this information to... continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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City Inspections Do Not Cover Defective Workmanship or Installations
City inspections should occur at several stages during a new construction, including these phases at minimum: foundation, framing, mechanical, insulation, vapor barrier, and home completion, to ensure that each phase meets the city code requirements. There may be other city inspections as well, but no matter how many inspections your home has, a city inspection will not point out defects which do not pose safety or health hazards as stated in your local city code. You should be present at each inspection, to make sure there are no signs of improper or defective installations or workmanship...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Choosing A Home Inspector
Sometimes, several inspections will be required to fully guarantee a home's soundness. Particularly with homes under construction, an inspection may be required for different components of the home or different stages of construction. Also, tests for water quality, mold toxicity, radon accumulation, and pests such as termites, are separate from standard home inspections. While a regular home inspection firm may offer such services, these tests are often carried out at a separate time from the general inspection...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Hiring A Home Inspector
When hiring a home inspector, it is important to outline with the inspector which specific areas of the home will be covered by the inspection. This outline should be mutually agreed upon before any work has been done. Also, the points that were agreed to be covered should be reflected in the post-inspection report...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Property Condition Disclosure Act
While the act does offer a measure of protection to potential buyers, it also offers a "buyout" option to seller. For as little as 500 dollars given to the buyer, a property disclosure statement can be forgone, as well as the legal responsibilities of the seller. In essence, a seller who knows of a problem which could lower a homes value in excess of thousands of dollars, can simply choose to ignore it, and pass the costs on to the unaware buyer for a mere 500 dollars. Be wary of any seller who refuses to provide a disclosure statement...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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More On Home Inspections
It is advised to be present during the inspection. Follow the inspector around and listen to what he or she has to say. You will get a detailed report later on, but it is helpful to be able to see what the inspector is talking about. Again, don't be shy. Home inspectors advise that you take part in the inspection...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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What To Look For in that DEAL Home
There are some things that these people know to look for that the rest of us may need to learn. There are certain things that make one fixer upper a real dud and the next a real deal. By learning what the pros look for, you stand a better chance of being able to make a few bucks or at least get that home that has the old world appeal that you've been looking for...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Natural Disasters
Storms can come from any direction, and while weather prediction has vastly improved with the invent of today's technologies, nothing is for sure, and storms can develop at anytime. When lightning is an ever present danger, often a metal rod is implanted deep into the ground, and attached to the top of a roof. This metal rod attracts lightning towards it, and away from the rest of the house, the electrical energy from the bolt is safely returned to the ground virtually ensuring no damage is caused by lightning strikes. In Hail and driving wind prone regions, shatter proof glass windows prevents...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Finding A Good Home Inspector
A home inspection is also an important part of any offer. It's also a good idea to ask for a seller's disclosure which discloses any known problems with the property. Selecting the right home inspector is a procedure where the prospective home owner will do well to establish and follow a simple checklist to ensure your inspection is done by a professional who will give you the best results...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Interior Inspections: What to Look For
it will be apparent if the rafters are sagging as well. Generally this means that there have been too many layers of roofing shingles used over the years, but it's still a good idea to check with the inspector to make sure that nothing else has gone wrong. Deformed framing may need additional support or replacement. One cautionary note about the attic. You might notice how careful your inspector is while moving around up there--that's because he knows that walking on the rafters or on planks set between the rafters is the only safe place and that...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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What to do About A Severely Flooded Home
The next step is to cover damage in the roof or walls so the elements don't make the situation any worse. Around this time, it's a good idea to take any pictures of the structural damage for insurance purposes. You'll also want to throw out any food items that may have gone bad or will rot if the refrigeration isn't coming back on right away. That goes for any previously opened medicines that may have come into contact with the flood water. Keep an eye out for any public health notices about the quality of the drinking water as well...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Brooklyn New York Home Inspection
Olympians' Brooklyn New York Home Inspector D. Kanakis has experience conducting home inspections in such neighborhoods as Clinton Hill Brooklyn, Carrol Gardens Brooklyn, Mill Basin Brooklyn, Canarsie Brooklyn, Brooklyn Heights Brooklyn, Park Slope Brooklyn, Sheepshead Bay Brooklyn, Sea Gate Brooklyn, Flatbush Brooklyn, Midwood Brooklyn, Brownsville Brooklyn, Williamsburg Brooklyn, Bushwick Brooklyn and East New York Brooklyn and has left all of those residents with a "peace of mind", because as shown through his knowledge, he knows exactly what to look for, and always finds it....continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Bronx Home Inspection
do not always trip when the breaker has been overloaded and some times if the breaker handle does trip it does not always mean there is not electricity still flowing through the circuit. Also the "Stablock" breaker was made with a faulty design. It will sometimes arc and overheat, which can cause a fire. The Consumers Product Safety Commission never officially...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Queens Home Inspectors
A home inspection is a non-invasive inspection, which is conducted without moving personal property, furniture, equipment, plants, soil, ice, snow or debris. Destructive techniques are not permitted or used by the home inspector. After moving-in, should you decide to tear down a wall for an addition to the home, pull away carpet or take down cabinetry you may find something, which was not visible at the time of the inspection...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Manhattan Home Inspector
When looking for a professional home inspector in the Manhattan area, you will want to look for a home inspector that subscribes to a professional code of ethics. Some home inspectors will not accept payment at the closing of the sale, and it is their belief as a professional home inspector that their loyalty should be to the prospective homebuyer. The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors is one of the organizations that stand by a Code of Ethics most home inspectors follow...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Yonkers Home Inspection
Being the businessman or women that you are, it only makes good sense. The average price of a home is over $400,000. A new roof can cost you from $6,000 to $35,000, and a new furnace can cost you from $3,000 to $10,000. Wouldn't you prefer to know these things needed replacement before you bought the house? A home inspection would have told you...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Home Inspection Long Island
The inspector points out some cracks in the foundation but they are not of structural concern. You will just need to have a crack repair specialist seal it up to prevent moisture and termites from getting in. Remembering you saw those cracks and wondered about structural damage, it is good to know, it is not structural. The inspector lets you know of a couple more things regarding the exterior such as steps with no hand railing and the offset concrete blocks in the walkway. He says the conditions are unsafe and need to be corrected to prevent someone from getting hurt, reciting a study about falls being the number one... continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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New York Home Inspector
When choosing a home inspector for your prospective home, you will want to obtain a copy of the inspector's standard of practice. The standard of practice recommended is from the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. After reading the standards you will know the minimum level of reporting your inspector will provide. The best home inspectors will go beyond the minimum...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Staten Island Home Inspection
A home inspector who is affiliated with a reputable home inspection society has already taken the time to receive the proper training, testing, and paid his dues in order to belong to this association, so they are more likely to perform high quality work for their clients. However not all association memberships are the same, so you must do the research on the association and it's motto. You will want to know what is expected of its members, by doing so you may learn some things about the profession and the abilities and the dedication required to give a quality home inspection...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Nassau County Home Inspection
It will also make you aware of any water damage, which may have occurred while you owned the home or before you moved, that you are unaware of. You will want plenty of time to correct this problem before you begin showing the home to prospective buyers and their inspectors. Many of the homes in Nassau County are older, you will want the extra time to have repairs done to ensure that they are done correctly. It will alert you to any immediate problems, which could turn into safety issues, before visitors come to your home...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Westchester Home Inspection
When you decide to start shopping around for your home inspector there is some important information you will want to know about the inspector you are considering. Is he or she a licensed inspector by the state? New York is a state, which requires licensing of home inspectors. Make sure to get the inspector's license number. Is he or she affiliated with any home inspection organizations? If they are affiliated with any home inspection organizations, they are bound by a code of ethics to follow... continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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Mobile Home Inspections
The underbelly of a mobile or prefabricated home is often raised above ground, leaving it susceptible to moisture in the air. For a non stationary mobile home, the underbelly is at risk of physical impact from travels. Since all mobile and prefabricated homes are built offsite and later shipped to their destination, the possibility of structural damage from impacts during transportation also exists. An underbelly should be an air tight seal protecting your sub-flooring from the elements and providing insulation in your home...continue reading Need a free consultation with Inspector; D. Kanakis with regard to your
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friends, family members, co-workers, and acquaintances to see if anyone has had a home inspection done recently. Ask for referrals from people who have had these services. Find out which company or inspector did the home inspection, and how satisfied the home buyer or owner was with the results. This can be the start of a list of possible home inspection services in New York that you can consider. If you do not know anyone, go through your local phone book under 
Once you have talked to all of the home inspection services in your area that are on your possible list, narrow this number down to between three and five. Consider all factors for each 
Having a home inspection can help you understand the exact condition that the home is in. A professional 
After the 
should include the foundation of the home, the support components for the foundation and the floor, and the floor framing. This section will also include ventilation, insulation, and any seismic anchoring and bracing. Crawlspace access areas will also be a checklist item, and the inspector will determine if these accesses are large enough, properly maintained, and if they are screened to keep out animals and other vermin. Another item on the checklist in this area concerns whether there are drainage or sump pumps, and if there is any standing water or damp conditions...which can be very problematic.
and heating system. The plumbing items include the piping for supply, waste, and venting, any water heating equipment, plumbing fixtures, gas pipes and connectors, the functional flow of the water, and drainage from the fixtures. Electrical systems include items like wiring, switches, electrical outlets, conductors, panels, grounding, and other components. Heating and cooling home inspection checklist items cover the equipment, venting and distribution systems, drainage, and other components.
The foundation should be free from any large vertical cracks or other significant damage, and the area for at least five feet around the home should have proper drainage sloping away from the structure. Any shrubbery or trees should be planted a reasonable distance away from the home to prevent problems with roots and to prevent excessive water from pooling near the foundation.
heating/cooling system, the plumbing systems and the electrical system.
checking the condition of the insulation of the home. A thorough examination of the attic should reveal adequate insulation regardless of the climate. The exterior walls of the home should also have adequate insulation as well, though can not always be accessed due to fixed walls. The windows and exterior doors should be examined for proper fit and weather stripping.
Sometimes a buyer will use this information to back out of the home purchase contract which is why it is imperative for a buyer to make sure the 
the call to write to the governor asking for a veto," Gregg Harwood, 2008-09 president of NYS-ASHI, told members. He said he feared the bill might be harmful since it could restrict inspectors from taking samples of water at houses which are for sale.
Harwood said scores of members contacted the governor in opposition to the bill. He said the NYS-ASHI's lobbyist, Jim McCulley, reported that most bills like the Well Water Education Act are passed without any significant comment from the public, so when more than 80 emails were sent to Paterson he likely took notice.