Many real estate agents suggest having a home inspection performed prior to contract. But according to Arizona-based HomeLife Warranty Protection, that might not be enough. Today, Community Blog Online speaks with the home warranty experts at HomeLife Warranty Protection about additional steps homebuyers should take to determine the soundness of their potential investment.
Q: Spring is coming up and for many that means buying a home. Can you tell us why a home inspection is such an important step in the process?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: A home inspection, which usually cost around $400, will offer homeowners valuable insight on the state of their potential property. However, these surface inspections don’t always tell the full tale of a home’s history or condition.
Q: Why not?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: A home inspector simply doesn’t always have the equipment and will likely not want to take on the liability of physically inspecting certain appliances and systems.
Q: What kind of equipment will a home inspector lack?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: The most important thing that comes to mind right off the bat is a drain line camera.
Q: For the plumbing?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: Yes, that’s right. We recommend a mainline inspection before putting any money into a down payment.
Q: Why is that?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: The last thing anyone wants when moving into a new home is a $10,000-$15,000 repair to dig up a yard and replace faulty pipes.
Q: What sorts of issues will a mainline inspection uncover?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: This is a thorough inspection of the main plumbing line that runs from a home to the sewer system. It can detect any breaches of the pipe, corrosion, root intrusion, or obstructions that must be addressed prior to the home purchase.
Q: What other inspections does HomeLife Warranty Protection recommend?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: We suggest having a licensed HVAC company inspect the heating and air-conditioning units. This is usually $150 or so but can help detect problems that are much more expensive to repair.
Q: Can’t the home inspector examine the HVAC system?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: Yes, but just the outside and any visible components. Home inspectors are reluctant to open up the system for fear that they will be held accountable for future issues. In addition, rarely is a home inspector a licensed HVAC specialist.
Q: If problems arise, can the homebuyer request to the seller pay for the repairs?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: Yes, of course. You can make your contract contingent upon your home inspection, HVAC inspection, mainline inspection, and thermal imaging.
Q: What is thermal imaging?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: A thermal image of a home is a digital picture that shows concentrations of temperature. It can help determine if the home is insulated properly and therefore likely to be energy efficient. It can spot water damage behind walls and can even reveal potential termite problems lurking in unseen places.
Q: We would’ve never thought about that. Why don’t all real estate agents suggest all of these inspections?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: Many simply believe the home inspector can uncover all potential issues. Others don’t bring it up because it’s cost prohibitive, especially for many first-time homebuyers.
Q: Altogether, how much would all of these inspections cost?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: Between $800 and $1000, on average.
Q: If the buyer chooses to cancel the sale if issues arise, do they get their money back?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: Probably not, but that’s something that can be written the contingencies. We would suggest consulting a real estate agent or attorney.
Q: If the buyer cannot afford the additional inspections. Is a home inspection still valuable?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: Yes, of course. It will give a homeowner an idea of the general condition of the property and help them understand what it is they’re about to commit to.
Q: Budget considerations aside, are there any other inspections that may be beneficial?
HomeLife Warranty Protection: There are number of other tests including well water, septic tank, radon, and termite inspection that offer a wealth of insight into the condition and quality of the property. A home inspector may be able to perform many of these for an additional fee.
I’ve had a HomeLife Warranty Protection policy on my current home for the last three years and have been really happy. However, I am moving and am wondering if I can bring the policy with me?
Thank you for reaching out. Home warranty coverage is transferrable to the new homeowner when a home is purchased. You would start a new service contract on your new home and we would close out your current home warranty with a pro-rated refund that can be used towards your new home warranty service agreement. Please contact us for further discussion.
Does HomeLife Warranty Protection recommend getting a home inspection?
Anytime you buy a new home, it’s a good idea to have it checked out by a licensed home inspector. Once the inspection is complete, your realtor may be able to provide you with information on how to obtain a home warranty. We currently have a discounted home inspection with the purchase of our home warranty coverage. Please ask your realtor for details or call us.
Why does HomeLife Warranty Protection recommend having a mainline inspection? I think my home insurance will cover any damages if the line gets backed up.
I would not be so sure about that. Many home insurance companies offer coverage on damage caused by an initial backup; many do not. Those that do may require replacement of the entire mainline before they cover any further damages caused by plumbing issues. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance agent to review your homeowners policy.
I did not believe HomeLife Warranty Protection when they said that it costs $10,000-$15,000 to dig up the yard to replace the pipe. I was wrong. I called my plumber today to get an estimate because I thought there’s no way it could be that much. To replace my mainline would cost me $12,350. It’s roughly 200 linear feet plus digging up the concrete and they said it would take three days. I will definitely have a mainline inspection the next time I buy a house.
It can get costly and could be more depending on where you live. Hopefully, you were only calling out of curiosity and won’t have to spend all that money.
My home inspector told us that we really didn’t need to have our HVAC unit inspected. Two weeks later the compressor went out and we had to get a new unit. I wish I had come across HomeLife Warranty Protection article before because I did not realize that the HVAC inspection was only $150. Our new unit cost $7000.
HVAC, plumbing, and electrical are the three most expensive systems to maintain. It is always worth the extra few dollars to have these individually inspected by trade professionals in addition to the home inspection prior to signing a contract on a new home.
I just had a similar conversation with Nicole from HomeLife Warranty Protection. What would be really great is if home inspectors would start partnering with other trade professionals for more comprehensive preventative inspections for hvac, plumbing, etc.
That’s actually a really great idea. Perhaps you have found a new business opportunity.
My family is about to move to Gilbert and our real estate agent suggested we check with HomeLife Warranty Protection. I am so glad we did. I feel like we’re going to save money in the long run by planning ahead for any potential issues.
Welcome to the area and please feel free to call our customer service line if you have any questions regarding our home warranties or additional coverages.
I think a thousand dollars is a low price to pay to have a professional inspect your major systems. I know from personal experience how much money a home can lose if it is leaking air. HomeLife Warranty Protection suggest a thermal imaging inspection for hvac ductwork, water leaks behind walls, termites and more– I agree completely and wish it had been available when I purchased my first property.
Thermal imaging (infrared) is a relatively new technology that is absolutely invaluable when buying an older home. Thank you for taking the time to read our interview and leave your feedback.
I really wish that HomeLife Warranty Protection offered home inspection services. I think that would go hand-in-hand with the home warranties.
We do offer home inspections! Please call for details!
I have a question about my HomeLife Warranty Protection plan. Could someone please email me at ******@yahoo.com??. [Editor’s Note: Email removed for privacy.]
Please check your inbox, we have sent a message to you and will be happy to discuss any questions you have regarding your policy.