Check the Records

Your article on walk-through inspections (“Walk-Through Is Buyer’s Last, but Vital, Step,” May 12) was very informative but still left out some vital information home buyers need before they sign on the dotted line.

Home buyers should use the tract number to examine the city or county records at the building and safety or public works department. These are open, public records kept during construction, and may contain valuable information on compliance with codes, inspector’s comments, grading, soil composition, and drainage.

You can also see the as-built plans for your lot to see if they conform to present conditions, and to find out where cut and fill was used to make a level building pad (especially important in hillside areas but not unusual even in areas that look flat).

If defects develop later, home buyers need to know that, according to state law, the builder (not the sub-contractors) is responsible for 10 years from the time of first occupancy for defects in construction. The home buyer, however, has a limited time (as little as one year from the discovery of the defects) to inform the builder and file suit for damages. Many builders will stall a complaint until the statute runs out.

Even if you are not the original buyer, the builder is responsible, and anyone who sold you the home with knowledge, but not disclosure, of the defects is also liable.

Because of some painful and expensive experience, my husband and I have learned that builders sometimes cut corners because they know that some defects will take years to become apparent to the buyer. In today’s slow market, preserving profit at the home buyer’s expense may be even more tempting.

The vigilant home buyer will get a professional inspection of any home he considers purchasing, and will keep an eye out for hidden defects that may show up later. Unfortunately, no one else can be trusted to look out for your interests.

JEAN RUECKER

Simi Valley