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Inspectors working for the seller on pre-listing inspections can present a conflict of interest, so standard home inspections are usually hired and paid for by the buyer. If the buyer has some negotiating power, they might request that the seller cover the cost (by taking it off the asking price), but this varies on a case-by-case basis. When it comes to home appraisal costs and pre-listing inspections, the seller will naturally have to pay, as these are done before the home is left up for sale.

It can be safe to buy or live in a house with knob and tube (K&T) wiring, but only if the system is in good condition, functional, and has been thoroughly inspected and approved by a licensed electrician. Never purchase a home with K&T wiring without getting a professional electrical inspection first.

Key considerations include:

• Safety and Condition: An inspector will verify that the wiring is safe and has not deteriorated. Over time, the insulation can wear away, leaving exposed wires that pose a significant fire or shock hazard.

• System Capacity: The electrical service should be at least 60 amps. However, even at this capacity, K&T systems often struggle to handle the demands of modern appliances and electronics.

• Lack of Grounding: Knob and tube wiring is an ungrounded system, which is a safety concern for many modern devices.

• Ongoing Maintenance: If you live in a home with K&T wiring, it's recommended to have it inspected by an electrician every one to two years to ensure it remains in safe working order.

Ultimately, any inspection or modification of a knob and tube system should always be performed by a certified professional.

You’ll know you have smoke damage if you notice a lingering smoky odor, see soot or residue, or spot any discoloration of surfaces in your home. If you have any kind of house fire, always assume you have smoke damage and hire a professional who deals with smoke damage to assess the extent of the damage and restore your home to its pre-fire condition.

Both plumbing inspection cost and length can vary widely based on the specifics of a property. For a larger home, historic home, or rental complex, a full plumbing inspection can take a full day. Put aside at least eight hours from the start of the visit to ensure that you'll be available to answer any of the plumber's questions. However, a thorough inspection of the average one-story to two-story home lasts just two to three hours.