When it comes to the biggest financial decision of your life, investing in real estate, plumbing matters. It really, really matters. Regardless of if you are buying your first home, second home, investment properly, or you are a seasoned home owner, having a plumbing inspection performed before the close of escrow can save you a ton of money in the long run. Here are the most important reasons why you must have a plumbing inspection done before you purchase a home.
KNOWLEDGE IS POWER
When it comes to the state of a plumbing system, having a plumbing inspection performed before you purchase a home can help you make an educated decision on whether you want to move forward with the transaction. If the plumbing system is in really bad shape, it gives you bargaining power to negotiate a better price or the ability to back out of the transaction all together. Either way, just like you always look under the hood when you buy a car, you should also see what he bones of a home look like before you decide to move forward.
PREPARE FOR FUTURE REPAIRS
A plumbing inspection will give you an idea of the current state of affairs with the plumbing system. Perhaps things are good right now, but in a few years there may be something that needs to be
replaced or fixed. For example, if you are purchasing a home with a septic tank system you need to know where the septic tank is, and how frequently it has been maintained. Part of ongoing maintenance on a septic tank involves pumping the septic tank. How frequently this is done depends on the size of the tank and how many people are using it, but on average should occur every 2-4 years and can cost anywhere from 200-300 dollars. Before purchasing a home, knowing the status of the septic tank is important. This information can be gathered from a proper plumbing inspection.
DETERMINE VALUE
The integrity of a home is heavily affected by the integral system of the home, one being the plumbing system. Quality craftsmanship and materials is vital in maintaining the value of a home. For example, when it comes to a plumbing system there are several different types of pipes that are used, plastic and copper are two of the most common used today. Plastic is versatile, flexible, and cheap. Copper is strong, lasts forever, and more expensive. In determining the value of a home this should be taken into consideration. A plumbing system that uses mostly copper piping will be more valuable than a plumbing system comprised largely of plastic pipes.
REMODELING PLANS
New homeowners quite often have plans to remodel once they move in, especially outdated bathrooms and kitchens. When taking on a large project like a kitchen or bathroom remodel there are often hidden costs associated, particularly with the plumbing and electrical systems. If you are planning on remodeling it’s a good idea to have a plumbing inspection done beforehand. While it might not show everything, and there could still be some surprises, it can give you a good idea on the scope of work that needs to be done.
Purchasing a home? Schedule your plumbing inspection today! Contact John Owen’s Service for more information.
