Make Sure You Ask For What You Want – Inspections, Testing, or Both

One of the smartest things a potential homebuyer can do in connection with the purchase of a new home is to have an inspection of the property conducted by a licensed home inspector prior to closing. Such inspections tend to be money well spent as they provide the potential homebuyer with a more detailed picture of the condition of the house and the various components and mechanicals that may be otherwise unknown to the untrained eye.

While the commonly used WB-11 Residential Offer to Purchase provides for a home inspection contingency, some buyers are surprised to learn that the standard language contained in this form offer places certain limitations on what the seller is permitting the buyer to do by agreeing to an inspection contingency. As such, a buyer needs to make sure that they ask for what they want.

The WB-11 Residential Offer to Purchase defines “inspection” as an “observation of the property, which does not include testing of the property other than testing for leaking carbon monoxide or testing for leaking LP gas or natural gas used as a fuel source.” A typical home inspection will address the condition of the foundation, basement, structural components, roof, attic and visible insulation, as well as the walls, ceilings, windows, doors, and floors. It will also cover the heating system, air conditioning system, plumbing, and the electrical systems. However, testing, other than testing for leaking carbon monoxide or LP gas or natural gas, is not authorized in the WB-11 Residential Offer to Purchase.

The WB-11 Residential Offer to Purchase defines “test” as the “taking of samples of materials such as soils, water, air or building materials from the Property and the laboratory or other analysis of these materials.” While buyers may look at the definition and decide that a “test” would be an unnecessary expense, the fact is that some very important information about the property may not be discovered unless certain testing is performed. For example, depending on the age, condition and history of the house, there may be mold, lead based paint or possibly asbestos present. However, testing for the presence of such hazards is not permissible in the standard WB-11 Residential Offer to Purchaser.

Additionally, another potential hazard that homebuyer should consider is a radon test. Radon is naturally occurring, colorless, odorless gas and has been connected to health problems due to concentrated exposure. Because every region in the state has been found to have some elevated levels of radon and since you cannot predict radon levels based on state, local, and neighborhood radon measurements, it has been recommended that every homebuyer (and every homeowner) should have a radon test performed. Again, however, based on the standard WB-11 Residential Offer to Purchase language, a Buyer would not be permitted to have a radon test completed unless specific language is added to the offer which would permit such testing.

By ensuring that your offer to purchase properly addresses your home inspection and testing needs, you can move forward with your home purchase with peace of mind.