What kind of inspections should I undertake when purchasing: a) an existing home or b) an empty lot for new construction?
It depends on the age and present condition of the dwelling. Older homes should be inspected by a qualified person who looks at structural soundness and the condition and capacity of electrical, plumbing and heating systems. Hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead paint should also be analyzed. If the home is heated by oil, the oil tank and surrounding area should be inpected for leakage. (b) An empty lot should have, at the least, a Phase I Environmental Assessment completed by a professional firm. This assessment will include an examination of soil condition and contamination, a review of past use records and an investigation regarding usages of sites in close proximity.
