Getting a home inspected before you decide to purchase a house can help you make a much better decision about it.
Having your home inspected can help you identify potential problems with the property and give you a better idea of how much ongoing maintenance the property will require in the future.
In the case of buying a house, a thorough home inspection could potentially save you thousands of dollars in future repairs – or perhaps it would help you avoid buying a house that’s a money pit in the first place.
What Is A Home Inspection?
It is important to understand that a home inspection is a visual assessment of the physical structure as well as the mechanical systems of a house, including the roof, the ceilings, the walls, the floors, the windows, and the doors.
Inspectors check major appliances, examine the heating and air conditioning system, examine the plumbing and electrical systems, and may even poke around in the attic and basement.
Home inspections are conducted with the goal of identifying any problems that may exist within the home itself. A home inspector cannot tell you if you are getting a good deal on the house or offer an opinion on the price at which the house will sell.
When Does The Home Inspection Happen?
Home inspections are done after the seller has accepted your offer, but before you buy the house after the seller has accepted your offer. When you are under contract with the seller, you’ll want to schedule a home inspection as soon as possible so that you have enough time to perform additional inspections or negotiate with the seller.
It is advisable to allow at least seven to ten days in order to complete the home inspection process during the home-buying process.
Hiring A Home Inspector
It is your responsibility as the buyer to hire a home inspector to inspect your home. Even if the seller offers to share their home inspection report with you or tells you that the house has been pre-inspected, you will want to schedule your own inspection in order to be able to vet the inspector yourself. It is important to note that home inspectors are not federally regulated, and they are not even licensed by all states in the country.
It is a good practice to interview potential home inspectors so you can learn about their experience, training, and areas of expertise. It is important to select an inspector who is knowledgeable about historic houses if you are looking at a fixer-upper or looking at an older house.
In order to obtain references from prior clients, it is especially important for homeowners who have lived in their homes for at least six months to do so. As a result of doing this, you will be able to determine whether any issues have popped up that have not been reported by their inspectors.
In addition, you should ask for samples of previous reports and note whether they were just checklists completed or if they were comprehensive reviews. Then you will be able to determine whether you are paying for a quick report or for detailed information.
How Much Does A Home Inspection Cost?
Inspecting a home can cost $300 to $500 or more, so you want to be sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Additionally, you’ll need those funds on hand. Home inspectors are generally paid at the time of service, unlike many other closing costs.
Imagine this scenario: If a home inspector has to wait until closing to get paid, then he or she would have the incentive to make sure that the closing goes as smoothly as possible. Unscrupulous realtors might underreport problems that could be a hindrance to the sale of the home if they aren’t careful.
What’s Included In A Home Inspection Report?
The report of a good home inspection will be comprehensive in nature, containing checklists, summaries, photographs, and notes. The service can be used to estimate the remaining useful life of major systems and equipment, as well as the roof, structure, paint, and finishes of the building.
There is no pass-fail test when it comes to an inspection. After a home inspection, there is no requirement to make any repairs, though it may uncover issues that require further discussions with the seller to resolve. As a result of this visit, you will learn much about the house and gain confidence in your decision to move into your new home – or you will learn enough to make the decision to pass on the purchase altogether.
