When you're ready to complete a purchase and sale agreement on a home, I suggest your offer be contingent upon a professional inspection of the entire property-including improvements. The home inspector looks beyond the cosmetics to make sure that the home's general systems operate properly. The inspector will also look for large repairs that are needed and report on the condition of the home.
The standard home inspector's report will review the conditions of the home's heating and cooling system, interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; foundation, basement and visible structure. The inspector will also look for cracks in cement walls, water stains that indicate leakage and any indication of wood rot.
A proper home inspection also points out the positive aspects of a home, as well as the maintenance that will be necessary to keep it in good shape.
As your RE/MAX agent, I'm familiar with home inspection services and can provide you with a list of names from which to choose. Another good source for finding a home inspector is to ask a friend, or perhaps a business acquaintance, who has had a home inspection and can recommend a home inspector with whom they were satisfied.
Remember, no home is perfect. If major problems are found, I will help you negotiate through the process.