I am in the process of buying a house in Indio, California
In the event my offer is accepted, what type of inspections do I need to do. I am actually living in the UK (the property will be a short stay rental investment). To better understand what is typical in the US, I purchased the NOLO guide to buying a house in California.
It lists a number of inspections including:
General Inspection (Covers the roof, plumbing, electrical and heating systems, foundation, and drainage
Note: it is only a visual inspection. By law, the inspectors cannot inspect anything that is hidden by walls or by large furniture.)
Pest Control Looks for termites and other pests
Flood inspection
Earthquakes inspection
Fire inspection
Landslide inspection
Landscape inspection
Mold inspection
Asbestos inspection
Lead inspection
Radiation inspection
Are all these inspections needed? It seems a little excessive.
[quote=“fluffykitten, post:1, topic:6730, full:true”]
I am in the process of buying a house in Indio, California
In the event my offer is accepted, what type of inspections do I need to do. I am actually living in the UK (the property will be a short stay rental investment). To better understand what is typical in the US, I purchased the [NOLO guide to buying a house in California][1].
It lists a number of inspections including:
General Inspection (Covers the roof, plumbing, electrical and heating systems, foundation, and drainage
Note: it is only a visual inspection. By law, the inspectors cannot inspect anything that is hidden by walls or by large furniture.)
Pest Control Looks for termites and other pests
Flood inspection
Earthquakes inspection
Fire inspection
Landslide inspection
Landscape inspection
Mold inspection
Asbestos inspection
Lead inspection
Radiation inspection
Are all these inspections needed? It seems a little excessive.
I would do the pest control inspection and the general inspection. They are both necessary, especially if you are buying the house without seeing it.
The flood inspection is not necessary, especially in a semi-arid place like Indio. The same with the mold inspection. Asbestos and lead inspections are necessary only in old houses(you did not say what year it was built). It is not near any major fault lines.
If it was built after 1994 is up to current codes for earthquakes. If it was built after 1982 it should not have a popcorn ceiling, which contains asbestos. Even if it has one the best thing to do with it is leave it alone unless it is in bad condition. Lead paint was outlawed sometime in the 50s or 60s.
Unfortunately lead paint wasn’t banned in Britain until 1992. It’s worth paying attention if there are children. I dont know anything about Indio, but if the state of the pipes (lead?) and water in the area were an issue, it would definitely be a no go.
@fluffykitten, did you get a copy of the disclosures from your agent? Usually they include general inspections which are useful in that they will point out any major areas of concern which might provide a place to start for further inspections. Agree with sheriff on earthquake/flood zones but you can check online for maps. Doubtful I suppose but there could be water damage or mold if there had been a leak. There are fire hazards maps which I would consult in the future given all of the wildfires that have ravaged the state recently. Finally, I would also check out the crime maps in any city with which you are not very familiar.
Oakland, Emeryville and Fremont had higher levels of lead found in children’s blood tests, and so did Fresno and parts of Tahoe (rates similar or higher than found in Flint, Mich)
Young children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead and can suffer profound and permanent adverse health effects, particularly affecting the development of the brain and nervous system. Lead also causes long-term harm in adults, including increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney damage. Exposure of pregnant women to high levels of lead can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth
We have heard this crap for 50 years…Yet 90% of lead in the environment came from leaded gas banned in 1976…Lead paint hasnt been used since 1968…Sorry I dont believe you or the EPA…This is just the urban poor trying to extort money and sympathy…Sorry but the problem doesnt exist anymore…
Good that it is a recently built house. Normally I think it is very worthwhile to get your own inspection though there shpuld be fewer issues with the house itself. Definitely research the neighborhood if you’ve not already done so.
You can contact the HOA directly…Read the monthly meeting notes…Pay particular attention to news and rules regarding short term rentals…There is a push to control or ban them worldwide…Also check the financials to make sure sure they have adequate reserves…
I’d want to know flood risk. That 100 year flood can wipe a home out completely if you’re in a valley. Saw it happen multiple times when I grew up-entire homes in the valley under water to the eaves. They don’t come 100 years apart.
HOA is a big negative. You have much less contol over the property. elt1 is right–you could buy a townhouse then they could vote not to let anyone short-term rent it. Even if it’s ok now, you’re stuck if later it’s not.
