Michigan Home Buying
So you are looking to purchase a home here in Michigan. Congratulations! What a great choice. Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Three Rivers and more all have great neighborhoods and neighbors. Michigan is a diverse state with many cultural and outdoor opportunities. Every weekend can be full of sites, sounds and smells of what Michigan has to offer.
Homes here are equally diverse. Homes built in the 19th century to homes constructed today are all intermixed throughout almost all communities. With that brings challenges to any home purchase.
Older Homes
Older homes were built with a variety of methods and styles. Construction science was in its infancy and homes can have a variety of challenges. Asbestos, lead, wiring, insulation, waterproofing, structure, windows, heat and cooling systems, radon, foundation conditions and more. It’s not to say a home built 50 or 100 yrs ago is unsafe. It only means enter the purchase with your eyes open. Any or all of these issues can be present and equally any and all of the issues can be address and mitigated. Equally, it’s important to keep in mind many times these homes have not been lived in by one family. Multiple families have lives and cared for these properties some more skilled than others. So, a history of repairs and upgrades most times is not readily available.
Newer Homes
Newer or new homes come with their own challenges. It’s not uncommon to find deficiencies in brand new homes. Subs cut corners knowingly or unknowingly and supervisors get busy and defects get overlooked. Dont assume that just because a city inspector signed off on a phase of the construction that the home is perfect. Few really are.
Hiring a Competent Home Inspector
To avoid the regret of home purchase hire a competent home inspector. A home inspector with experience. A home inspector with knowledge.
Ask your inspector questions. How long has he or she been in business? How many homes have they inspected? Where? What tools do you use? Why?? Qualifications?
Trust your gut. If after speaking to a potential inspector you don’t feel good about the person, move on. Your relationship with the inspector is critical in the inspection process.
Still have questions? Please feel free to call me. I’m a Certified Master Inspector, CMI. I have inspected thousands of homes over 10 yrs. If I can help, Im happy to.
Todd Miller
HomeSpec Certified Inspections, LLC
Kalamazoo and SW Michigan
www.homespecmi.com
269-425-1203
homespecoffice@gmail.com
