Tips for a home inspection

As a home buyer, there are many steps that go into buying a home. Not the least of whom has completed a home inspection. By hiring a qualified home inspector, a property can be thoroughly evaluated by a neutral third party and any problems discovered before buying and moving into the home.

Here are 5 tips for a home inspection:

Wait for the home inspection. While a real estate agent can handle the home inspection, it is always a good idea for the buyer to attend the inspection as well. By doing so, you can get all the information directly from the home inspector and also see the problems found in person. A typical home inspection only takes a few hours and can mean the difference between making a costly mistake and avoiding it.

No tracking. If problems are found or an inspector makes recommendations for repairs that could be completed in the future, then an estimate of the repairs should be made to calculate the cost involved. Some inspectors will propose a follow-up of another service provider to analyze a specific problem. In this case, make sure another professional’s opinion is sought even if you delay closing the timeline.

Don’t just take the inspector’s word for it. Not bad for another professional to check the house. If you have suspicions about the condition of the ceiling or the HVAC unit, contact a professional in each field to verify everything. A termite inspection is also another good idea, regardless of whether the lender requires it or not. The last thing you want to do is buy a home and find out right away that it requires an expensive repair that could have been avoided with a thorough home inspection before you buy.

Even if it is a new home, a home inspection must still be completed. This step will verify that everything was built to code and no corners were cut in the construction process.

Older homes may require additional testing. Homes that are over 30 years old may have additional problems that may not be found on a visual home inspection. Additional tests that can be performed include, but are not limited to, running a camera down the drain lane and also a hydrostatic test to check for leaks in the drain.

A licensed home inspector will provide a comprehensive report detailing the repairs that need to be made. Once a report has been issued, the buyer can continue to negotiate. Typical steps are asking the seller to complete the repairs at their own cost, obtaining a purchase credit from the seller that will cover the repairs, requesting a price reduction, or leaving the home entirely.

The problems found in a home inspection will vary from property to property, but among the most common are faulty wiring, plumbing problems, drainage problems, structural / foundation defects, and environmental hazards. A home inspector has a full range of different tools to inspect various items in the home. Many home inspectors will use water detection instruments as well as thermal imaging to discover any problems with humidity or heat within a home. Appliances included in the sale of the property will also generally be inspected for leaks and to ensure that they are in good working order.

By understanding what goes into a home inspection, the buyer can get the most out of it. While it will cost an average of $ 300- $ 500 out of pocket to complete a home inspection, the investment is well worth it. A home inspection clause / contingency is generally found in almost all purchase contracts. This allows the buyer to decide not to buy the home if they find something important, allowing the security deposit to be returned in most cases.