Real Estate IQ

Sewer Inspections: Uncovering Hidden Issues During Home Purchase in Silicon Valley

In This Episode:

Sewer lateral inspections in real estate are vital but can miss 20% of hidden issues, burdening buyers with unexpected expenses. Wide-ranging costs, $100 to $800, cause value uncertainty. Recent surveys show that 35% of buyers are dissatisfied with inspection completeness and precision. Standardizing inspections is crucial to rebuild trust and safeguard investments in real estate.

Sewer Lateral Inspection Challenges during Home Buying in Silicon Valley

Unidentified Issues: Current sewer lateral inspections may fail to detect up to 20% of hidden problems, leading to unexpected repair costs for property buyers.
Varied Costs: Sewer lateral inspection fees vary greatly, ranging from $100 to $800, creating uncertainty for buyers about the quality of service they receive.
Buyer Dissatisfaction: A recent survey shows that 35% of buyers express dissatisfaction with the thoroughness and accuracy of their sewer lateral inspections, impacting trust in real estate transactions.

It's important to have the sewer functioning and make sure it's in good condition to avoid problems.

Travis Palser

About Travis Palser:

Travis Palser, the Vice President of Operations at HomeGuard Incorporated, began his journey in 2014 as a second-generation home inspector. He swiftly obtained ASHI Certification and ICC Certification for residential inspections. In 2018, Travis assumed the role of Project Manager and introduced drone technology for inspections. By 2019, he secured a termite inspector license, earning a promotion to General Manager. As the Vice President of Operations, Travis leads with expertise and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Every time you flush a toilet or turn on a faucet, it's heading in the sewer lateral out to the city sewer system.

Travis Palser

Show Notes:

Why Sewer Lateral Inspections Matter Dive deep into the necessity of sewer lateral inspections when purchasing a property. Learn why it’s crucial for both buyers and sellers.
Understanding Sewer Laterals: A Key to Property Plumbing Explore the role of sewer laterals in property plumbing systems. Learn how they function and why maintaining them is essential.
Common Issues Detected in Sewer Inspections Uncover the most common issues found during sewer inspections, from tree roots to offset joints, and learn how they impact property plumbing.
Tree Roots and Their Impact on Sewer Laterals Delve into how tree roots affect sewer laterals, causing blockages and damages. Discover signs to watch out for and preventive measures to take.
Frequency of Sewer Inspections: How Often Should You Check? Gain insights into how frequently homeowners should conduct sewer inspections and why regular maintenance is crucial for property plumbing health.
Costs Associated with Sewer Inspections Understand the financial aspects of sewer inspections, from average costs to factors affecting pricing. Learn how to budget for this essential maintenance task.
Materials Matter: Impact of Pipe Materials on Inspection Findings Explore how different pipe materials, such as clay, cast iron, and plastic, affect sewer inspection findings. Learn why material knowledge is crucial for property owners.
Methods and Equipment Used in Sewer Inspections Get an overview of the methods and equipment used in sewer inspections, including camera technology and trenchless repair options.
Preventive Measures for Maintaining Underground Sewage Pipes Discover practical tips for homeowners to maintain their underground sewage pipes, including what to avoid flushing and how to prevent blockages.
Local Regulations and Codes Regarding Sewer Laterals Learn about local regulations and codes governing sewer laterals, including homeowner responsibilities and requirements for property transactions. Stay informed to avoid potential issues.

If it's an older house, I really encourage an inspection.

Travis Palser

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Sharad Gupta

Sharad Gupta, a dedicated real estate professional and former tech expert, brings a wealth of life and professional experience to his role as a podcast host. Transitioning into real estate after a two-decade-long career in tech, Sharad is deeply committed to providing for his family, yet his true passion lies in community service. Inspired by his special needs son, he consistently raises funds for local organizations. His commitment extends to his pivotal roles as a San Jose Neighborhood Association Member and an active participant in the San Jose Rotary Club. Here, he tirelessly advocates for community betterment, initiating impactful service projects, and championing local issues. His diverse background, coupled with his relentless drive for community service, resonates deeply with his podcast audience, providing them with an inspiring and profound listening experience.