By Joshua Pendleton
Practical homebuyers wouldn’t think twice about getting a home inspected, which only covers the house structure and systems inside and outside. A standard inspection doesn’t cover grounds, trees, systems and outdoor elements surrounding the home.
The landscape surrounding a home is one of the first things homebuyers see when looking at an available place to buy. It is likely prospective buyers are unaware or unfamiliar with the value of a property’s landscaping.
Like home inspections, landscape inspections can help homebuyers feel assured that they’re getting what they want. A clear understanding of the outdoor systems & elements, and potential upkeep and maintenance cost they will need to know in the future is essential.
A reliable landscape inspection considers and examines trees, shrubs, ground covers, irrigation, drainage, fencing, retention walls, walkways, playground areas, patios, pools, spas, outdoor kitchens, water features, fire pits, and landscape lighting.
Many people overlook items that should be addressed, like a tree too close to a home’s foundation or a limb that could fall and damage the home. Improper drainage or irrigation leakage could cause potential flooding. A great home inspector might catch these details, but he won’t know that the same tree has a pest issue and is going to die next year. He won’t know that the water feature out back leaks excessively and the home owners only had it on because they were showing the house. He won’t know that more than half of the landscape lighting fixtures don’t work and wouldn’t be able to get you an estimate on fixing and changing the lights to LED bulbs, which will save you money on your power bill.
A landscape inspection can also provide homebuyers with an estimate of the cost they may be facing in the future to repair or maintain the landscape. This can come in handy as a bargaining tool to negotiate over price. Don’t be troubled by the fact that the standard purchase contract as no box to check for a “landscape inspection.” As “contingencies” to your closing the sale, you can ask the deal be contingent on being satisfied with the results of a landscape inspection.
If your real estate agent can’t recommend someone for this job we would be more than happy to to help you out. With over 40 years experience in the landscaping industry, we see things that others cannot. We understand how systems and elements should work and what the best practices are for installation and maintenance. Have the upper hand when you’re buying your next home, know what you’re getting into.
