Get A Home Inspection For Your Protection

In general, the inspection period contingency for buying a residential property in Southern Arizona is 10 days. As a home buyer, it's your responsibility to investigate are material facts about the property during this time frame. Your due diligence period begins once you have a fully executed purchase contract. Even if, you agree to purchase the home in an AS-IS condition, you should still hire a home inspector so you have a good idea of what repairs are needed for the property.
 
Home inspections give you the opportunity to thoroughly inspect the home with a professional before you spend any of your hard-earned money to buy it. Because of this, inspections are one of the most common contingencies in purchase agreements. Make sure to review the Seller's Property Disclosure Statement with the home inspector to address any prior repairs made to the property. After inspection, the home inspector will email you a detailed report. The assessment will outline safety issues, any recommended repairs, and possibly further evaluation from a license contractor.
Professional Standards
Request for references, and ask the following questions:
  1. Did you discover any major defects at the close of escrow or after moving in?
  2. Would you use this home inspector again?

Vetting Out a Home Inspector

Ask the home inspector candidates the following questions: 
  1. Can I tag along on the inspection?
  2. How long will it take?
  3. Can I see your resume? 
  4. Do you or your company do repairs based on the findings of your inspection?
  5. How much will it cost? 
  6. Do you provide a written narrative report?
  7. Do you carry insurance?
  8. Do you guarantee your work?

What to expect in a home inspection

Depending on the size of the property, a home inspection costs between $300 and $400 in Santa Cruz County, AZ. You can expect a home inspector to climb on top of the roof, deep into the attic space, and look for any safety issues. Their job is to protect your investment and find any issues with the home, including:

Structure

The home’s “skeleton” should be able to stand up to weather, gravity, and the earth that surrounds it. Structural components include items such as the foundation and the framing.

Exterior

The inspector should look at sidewalks, driveways, steps, windows, doors, siding, trim, and surface drainage. They should also examine any attached porches, decks, and balconies.

roofing

A good inspector will provide very important information about your roof, including its age, roof drainage systems, buckled shingles, and loose gutters and downspouts. They should also inform you of the condition of any skylights and chimneys as well as the potential for pooling water. Its also highly recommend to have a roofing company inspect the condition of the roof.  

plumbing

They should thoroughly examine the water supply and drainage systems, water heating equipment, and fuel storage systems. Drainage pumps and sump pumps also fall under this category. Poor water pressure, banging pipes, rust spots, or corrosion can indicate larger problems.

electrical

You should be informed of the condition of service entrance wires, service panels, breakers and fuses, and disconnects. Also take note of the number of outlets in each room.

Heating and air conditioning

The home’s vents, flues, and chimneys should be inspected. The inspector should be able to tell you the water heater’s age, its energy rating, and whether the size is adequate for the house. They should also describe and inspect all the central air and through-wall cooling equipment.

 

interiors

Your inspector should take a close look at walls, ceilings and floors; steps, stairways, and railings; countertops and cabinets; and garage systems. These areas can reveal leaks, insect damage, rot, construction defects, and more.

Ventilation and Insulation

Inspectors should check for adequate insulation and ventilation in the attic and in unfinished areas such as crawl spaces. Insulation should be appropriate for the climate. Without proper ventilation, excess moisture can lead to mold and water damage.

fireplaces

They’re charming, but fireplaces can be dangerous if they’re not properly installed. Inspectors should examine the vent and flue, and describe solid fuel-burning appliances.

appliances

The home inspector should verify that appliances are in working order. Verify is the anti-trip has been installed behind range and if gas range has been properly converted to propane gas.    

Related Resources

Buyers are urged to review all advisories and disclosures during the due diligence period as well as drive around the neighborhood at different times of the day to identify traffic patterns. It's also recommend to meet with neighbors, go to the schools if enrolling children, and government agencies as part of the discovery stage.
Home Buyer Advisory
Seller's Property Disclosure Statement
Schools Demographics