July 18, 2008 —NASSAU, BAHAMAS— Home inspections are not a requirement before purchasing a home in the Bahamas, but that doesn’t mean a buyer shouldn’t invest in one before signing on the dotted line.

Home inspections can determine if a property buyer is buying a home in good shape or a piece of property that needs work.

A professional home inspection is an interior and exterior evaluation of a building’s structure, roofing, air/conditioning, heating and electrical systems to determine whether there are any defects, said Rachel Pinder, principle broker of Island Living Real Estate in Nassau, Bahamas.

“While these inspections aren’t required, I cannot express enough how important they are for a home buyer, especially if they are purchasing an older home,” Pinder said. “An inspection can give a buyer piece of mind that they are making a good investment.”

Following are areas a home inspector should look at during a professional inspection:

• Foundation and structure- the overall integrity of the foundation, floors and walls. Crawlspaces, columns and drainage also will be looked at.
• Exterior- Driveways, sidewalks, patios, balconies, decks, soffits, fascias, gutters, downspouts, coverings, trim, doors, windows and screens.
• Interior- appliances such as stoves, ovens, dishwashers, washers and dryers. Walls, floors, ceilings, doors, cabinets, countertops, stairs and railings and closets.
• Roof- the type of roof covering and its condition, skylights, vents and flashing.
• Electrical- circuit integrity, grounding, over-current protection devices, panel/sub-panels, branch circuits, outlets, light fixtures and electrical shock safety hazards.
• Air conditioning- all cooling equipment, duct work, condensation drainage, energy sources, connections, controls and thermostats.
• Plumbing- main supply line, water heaters, waste system, faucets, vents, traps, drains and functional flow.
• Insulation- Attic, walls, crawlspace, floors, ductwork, air/vapor barriers.

Finding a Home Inspector
There are some guidelines that can be helpful in locating the right home inspector for the property you’re considering purchasing, Pinder said. First and foremost, it is important to find someone with the proper training and experience. This can be attained through training companies, but inspectors who previously had extensive careers in building and construction also would be qualified.

It’s also a good idea to ask friends, family members or co-workers for a referral. Often, good inspectors come highly recommended by people you know, she said.

If possible, select an inspector who belongs to a professional home inspection organization. Members of these types of organizations are expected to adhere to certain standards of practice, as well as a code of conduct.

Some questions you might ask a potential inspector include:
• How long has the inspector been in business?
• Is the inspector trained in residential inspections?
• Does the inspection include a written report?

A thorough home inspection typically takes a couple of hours to complete and prices may vary depending on the size of the structure.

Learn More
For additional information about home inspections prior to purchasing Bahamas waterfront properties or other properties on these beautiful islands, please visit Island Living’s Web site: www.islandlivingrealestate.com, or call them for a consultation: 1-242-322-7979/80.

About Island Living Real Estate
Island Living Real Estate has more than 25 years of experience in real estate sales and rentals throughout the Bahamas. Island Living’s main office is located in one of Nassau’s oldest historic buildings on Bay Street, named “Red Roofs.” Red Roofs was built in 1896 and has been home to various families, a Gourmet Deli and now Island Living.

We don’t just help you get the keys to your new home… we give you the keys to your new life.  Welcome home!

© 2008 Sinai Marketing and Island Living Real Estate. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Sinai Marketing is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this article is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

                                                                             -end-