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Fixer-uppers
need inspections too
Even though you'll renovate, skipping this step could pose
major risks
Tuesday, April 01, 2003
By Barry Stone
Inman News Features
 Dear
Barry,
Should we have a home inspection on a house that requires major
renovation? Our agent says, "Don't bother,
you're going to renovate anyway." On one hand, this sounds like
reasonable advice, but we feel uncomfortable buying any home without a full
inspection report. What do you recommend? --Andrew
Dear Andrew,
Buying a "fixer-upper" without a home inspection can have
serious financial repercussions. Here is a common scenario: Someone buys a
home in need of renovation and repairs, planning to remodel the interior,
install new cabinets, replace the flooring, repaint inside and out, upgrade
the landscaping and so on. What they fail to consider are other potential
problems like major defects in the foundation, seasonal flooding beneath
the building, carbon monoxide emanating from a defective heater, rust
build-up within the water piping, burnt connections on the aluminum wiring,
damaged roof framing because there are too many layers of shingles,
substandard fireplace and chimney construction, etc.
Surprises of this kind can dramatically alter the outcome of a proposed
remodeling project but are easily avoided by way of a professional
inspection. The purpose of a home inspection is not to determine whether
the house does or does not need repairs. That is a given with every home,
especially ones that need major renovation. Rather, it is to compile a
complete list of all the repairs that need to be done, especially a list of
defects that might be hazardous or which might make the property less
attractive as a financial investment.
With any home, the decision to buy without an inspection is always
ill-advised. With homes that need major renovation, the likelihood of
numerous concealed defects is even greater. To assume that remodeling work
is all that is needed is a presumptive gamble. To avoid needless risks, the
cost of a home inspection is economical insurance.
Dear Barry,
I tried to install a ceiling fan in my living room but was confused
by the color scheme of the wires. Of the three wires coming from the
ceiling, I have a gray, a yellow, and a purple, but I haven't been able to
figure out which of these wires does what. Your advice would be
appreciated. --Rick
Dear Rick,
The usual color orientation for residential wiring is black for hot,
white for neutral and green or bare wire for ground. In the case of
unfamiliar wiring, the wise course of action is to employ the services of a
licensed electrical contractor. In fact, unless you have professional
knowledge and experience regarding electrical wiring, a qualified electrician
is the only one who should install your fanlight or perform any manner of
electrical work in your home.
An electrician won't evaluate your wiring on the basis of coloration.
Instead, the lines will be tested to determine which is
the hot, the neutral, and the ground. The very fact that your wires are not
typically colored may indicate substandard wiring by a nonprofessional, and
this would also warrant consideration by a qualified expert.
Wiring decisions should not be a matter of guesswork. To ensure against
fire, electric shock and damaged equipment, the services of an electrical
professional are always advisable.
To write to Barry Stone, please visit him on the Web at www.housedetective.com.
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Copyright 2003 Barry Stone
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