In Louisiana, sellers are required to disclose any issues with the property they are selling. These disclosures must include any defects or problems with the property. It is possible to meet the disclosure requirements without a home inspection, and consequently, professional inspections are not required by the state.
Though some people see home inspections as a nuisance, they should not be skipped. Whether you are the seller or the buyer, you should insist on a home inspection by a licensed home inspector licensed in Louisiana. Furthermore, you should also supplement your whole-home inspection with a professional HVAC inspection.
Why You Need a Home Inspection when Selling or Buying Property
A new home is a big investment. For many people, it represents their largest financial holding. Therefore, it is vitally important that you go into a home purchase with a full understanding of the property's condition. Conversely, as a seller, you may be held liable for any problems not included in your disclosure document. A licensed home inspector can inspect your entire property and provide you with an up-to-date overview of everything going on with your property.
What Do Home Inspectors Do?
Home inspectors perform a physical, visual inspection of your property. They check to make sure all systems are functioning and that the home is structurally sound. In a nutshell, they check everything from the foundation to the roof, from the plumbing system to the electrical outlets.
After the inspection is complete, the inspector provides a detailed report of any damages, defects, or other problems they found on the property. After this inspection is completed, the current owner can make repairs and corrections, and provide potential buyers with an accurate, reliable disclosure document.
In Louisiana, home inspectors must be licensed by the state.
Should You Also Request a Professional HVAC Home Inspection when Selling Property?
Yes! A home's HVAC system is one of the most-used systems in a home. Homeowners rely on them all year long to keep their homes comfortable. When buying or selling property, you should hire a professional HVAC technician to inspect the system to ensure that it is in good working order and get a good sense of its remaining lifespan and potential repair issues. This HVAC inspection should be in addition to your regular home inspection.
Why Isn't My Regular Home Inspection Enough?
While professional home inspectors are highly trained, licensed by the state, and incredibly thorough, they are not HVAC experts. HVAC professionals, like ours at Nu-Air Heating & Cooling, LLC, lives and breathes heating and cooling systems. We spend every day repairing, installing, maintaining, and inspecting heating and cooling systems. Our HVAC inspections are incredibly detailed and can provide you with the detailed information you need for your disclosure documents.
Benefits of Supplementing Your Home Inspection with an HVAC Inspection
HVAC systems can be incredibly complicated. The only way to get a full picture of what is going on with an HVAC system is to work with a professional HVAC specialist. They feature a combination of appliances and structures, all of which are responsible for heating in the winter, cooling in the summer, circulating fresh air throughout the home, balancing humidity levels, and keeping your home's air quality clean and safe.
The condition and lifespan of HVAC systems are a common concern for home buyers. These systems can be expensive to replace, and potential buyers want to know what they can expect from the property's existing system. Your average air conditioner will last for around 10-15 years, while a furnace will last for approximately 15-20. Your air duct system will last for about 10-15 years. The lifespan of a heating or cooling system can be greatly impacted by how a system is maintained and its current condition.
Other benefits of requesting an HVAC inspection when selling or buying property include:
- A complete understanding of the current condition of the existing heating and cooling system
- An accurate estimate of where the system is at in its lifespan and when you can reasonably expect to need a replacement
- A detailed review of all broken or worn-out parts and any issues that may be affecting the system's efficiency
- Reliable recommendations for repairs, including all viable repair options
- Clear and detailed maintenance tips and recommendations for keeping the system operating smoothly
Should Real Estate Agents Request HVAC Inspections?
Absolutely! Every real estate agent knows a horror story about someone who neglected to have their home professionally inspected before buying or selling property. If you are the selling agent, you want to avoid not being in full disclosure. Furthermore, heating and cooling are vital systems for any home, and if you represent the buyer, you do not want them to get into their new house only to discover some fatal fault with the system that could have been caught during an inspection.
Selling and buying property can be stressful. A professional HVAC inspection can help relieve some of the stress and provide you with peace of mind. Our HVAC inspection specialists have specialized knowledge of all types of heating and cooling systems, and we have been performing HVAC inspections for local realtors for years. At Nu-Air Heating & Cooling, LLC, we are known for our honesty and integrity, and we are committed to providing you with the exceptional service you and your clients deserve.
To schedule an HVAC inspection with one of our skilled technicians, contact us online or call our office at (985) 288-2445.