Buying a home is an exciting decision that requires careful consideration. Before making a significant investment, it’s important to know the ins and outs of your potential home. When buying a house, it is important to make sure that the plumbing system is intact — especially if you are considering an older home. Requesting that a professional provide a plumbing inspection before closing on the home sale can save you time, money, and headaches in the long run. Here’s why:
- Identify Potential Issues: Requesting a plumbing inspection as part of your offer helps to eliminate surprises. At first glance, you think you’ve found your dream home, but you never know what could be hiding beneath the surface. Leaky pipes, drain issues, corroded fittings, poor water quality, or outdated fixtures may not always be noticeable to the untrained eye and can lead to costly repairs. During an inspection, an AP Plumbing professional will identify potential issues. You can then properly address them with the seller or factor the necessary repair costs into your budget before closing the deal.
- Prevent Future Emergencies: Plumbing problems have a way of popping up when you least expect them. By inspecting before you buy, you can catch any issues early on and eliminate surprises later. Even a small plumbing problem can turn into a costly repair if it goes too long without being addressed. Spotting leaks or finding older pipes may save you money on repairs and give you peace of mind. The last thing you want to do after settling into your new home is spend time and money fixing major plumbing issues that could have been avoided.
- Negotiate Repairs or Price Reduction: If the results of the inspection show any plumbing issues, the seller will have to address necessary repairs. If the seller is not willing to repair or replace issues before the sale, the cost of the home may be adjusted to account for the new owner taking on the repair or replacement themselves. For instance, if an inspection would have disclosed issues with the septic tank, you could be in for a very expensive unexpected cost had you not known about it before the sale.
- Plan for Future Upgrades: A plumbing inspection provides valuable insight into the condition of the home’s plumbing systems. Armed with this information, you can plan for future upgrades or replacements, such as installing a new water heater or updating outdated plumbing fixtures. During the inspection, you may learn that the home has an aging water heater that may be in good current condition, but not prepared to last several more years. This future cost may affect your final decision on purchasing the home.
Just as important as the look of a home is how everything works inside, especially the plumbing! By identifying potential issues, preventing emergencies, negotiating repairs or price reductions, and planning for future upgrades, you can make a more informed decision and enjoy your new home with confidence. So, before you sign any papers, make sure your dream home doesn’t have any hidden surprises!
Recommend AP Plumbing when requesting a plumbing inspection!
