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Show Ripped off or repaired?.5 Several years ago, as a new home was being constructed in our area, I would tour around the building site to note the daily progress. As the footings were poured and the structure began to rise from its foundations, I saw several things which disturbed dis-turbed me. Cracks appearing in the settling cement were left unrepaired, and lumber full of splits and cracks was nailed into place. Even my children noticed some of the shoddy workmanship, workman-ship, and commented that they were glad it was not our home. I wondered what the code allowed and where the building inspectors inspec-tors were. They must have come, and somehow the work was passed, either because the builders covered up their inferior work, or the inspectors looked the other way. The house continued con-tinued to rise on its frame, was finished, and eventually sold to unsuspecting buyers. ' About the same time, a friend was having a home built by the "best contractors in the city." The difference between this construction and the previous, was that my friend also inspected in-spected the building on a daily basis, and required inferior work and-or materials be replaced and redone. The contractor and workers soon caught on that only top quality workmanship would be tolerated. Upon completion, this home reflected from the outside, what it was on the inside, and has required little in the way of repairs. The first home has deteriorated, with new problems frequently surfacing. After a lull of several years, home-building has taken a dramatic drama-tic upswing. Skeletons of new homes are appearing daily on the horizon, signalling good news for all involved in the building industry, as well as for prospective buyers. Much of the current trend is away from a single-family dwelling, toward apartment buying and condominium living. Many of these new structures have sprung up around our city, some being finished feverishly to allow prospective occupants to take advantage of the lowest mortgage rates in years. As I've noted all of the activity, there seems to be a need to again remind ourselves of the idea. "Let the buyer beware." Beware of hasty decision-making. Be aware of overly-eager sales people who try to "close the deal" before proper and sufficient thought has gone into the deciding. Most of all, beware be-ware of builders or salesmen who try to rush you through before you've had a chance for close inspection. A home is the largest purchase made by the majority of : people, thus careful inspection, planning, and long-range goals Tare necessary considerations which must be made by the buyer. xThe seller will generally not point out deficiencies in the property, proper-ty, so the buyer must be alert to his own needs, as well as on his ;guard against purchasing something which is not as it appears. I Many flaws in construction are easily covered up and not .detected by the uninitiated. Ask the seller for the name of the building inspector who passed the construction, and talk to him. Find out what the code says; what is allowed and what is not. If "possible, talk to people living in the area you're considering to tsee what they observed in the various stages of construction. If ;you know someone "who knows what to look for better than you do, take them along for closer inspection, i There are many things to carefully consider before making Such a decision as which home, apartment, or condominium to uy. Make sure that sound financial arrangements and agree-jnenls agree-jnenls are made, so that you aren't left responsible for someone xlse's lien, or get caught making payment on a defaulted loan. EAsk lots of questions, and receive satisfactory answers before you even consider purchase. Unfortunately, there are dishonest people in every business who will "cut corners" and skimp on oods and services to line their own pockets. Once a contract is signed and payment made, it is usually too late to insure action Bon flaws and defects which subsequently show themselves. A kittle extra caution may make the difference between a sound purchase or a sub-standard one. -Kelley t |