Things to keep in mind when getting a home inspection!
Buying a home can be stressful and one of those stressors is often a home inspection. Deciding whether you want one or not, who to pick, what it’s supposed to be like, all important things to understand. So, let’s walk through what to keep in mind when getting a home inspection.
Who pays for it?
You may run into a home that the sellers have already had their own home inspection done beforehand so they could fix any issues and reassure potential purchasers before marketing their property. Additionally, in some cases, buyers can insist the sellers pay for it but typically it is the buyer who takes on the expenses. Even when a home inspection has already been done by the sellers before listing, it might be a good idea to have an inspection done that you can insure is not tied to the seller or the seller’s realtor.
What do hope inspectors, inspect?
1. Floors
2. Windows and doors
3. Foundation
4. Basement
5. Structural components
6. Heating System
7. Central Air Conditioning System
8. Interior Plumbing and Electrical Systems
9. Roof
10. Attic, Including Visible Insulation
11. Walls
12. Ceilings
Do your own pre-inspection!
When touring the home, keep your eyes open! It is easy to get distracted with all the elements that go into seeing a home, but you can tell a lot about a home from looking at it. Try looking for water damage on the walls and ceiling, check on the wiring by testing all the light switches, outlets, check-in with the electrical panel. On the outside of the home, look for peeling paint around porches and decks, inspect the siding, look for draining issues. It will be helpful to have a list of things you might want the inspector to pay extra attention to.
Make sure you pick someone you can trust…
Take your time finding your own home inspector, research so that you won’t have any second thoughts on your decision. Your realtor may have recommendations that you can check out, but you should make sure you come to that decision on your own. You want an impartial, third-party inspector who will only have your interest in mind. When it comes to cost, keep in mind that this is an investment, and making the right decision could save you a lot of money down the line if they find any issues.
Should you be in attendance for the inspection?
If your inspector has no issues, which few do, there are only positives to being present. This will allow you to explore your future hope and ask as many questions as you want. And we mean ask questions, if something doesn’t look right or you don’t understand what a home inspection is talking about, voice those questions. You should also as your home inspector to take photos in the places you can’t or don’t want to go in. Plus, seeing the inspection in person is much more informative than reading the report on its own, giving you a better perspective.
Don’t forget to consider any follow-up costs that may arise from the inspection.
If problems arise from inspection, you may want to invest in further home inspection reports before committing to the home. A few of those may be regarding radon, termite infestation, asbestos, lead piping or paint, mold, water damage, other safety issues. You may also need to invest consideration into the plumbing/water lines.
At the end of the day, there is a lot that goes into getting a home inspection, but the investment often is worth the reward, whether the inspection reveals issues or none at all, it’s important to know. If you do end up finding issues, make sure you way your pros and cons and make the right decision for yourself financially and emotionally in regards to how much you want to take on with buying a new home. If you need any guidance in making this decision, our realtors have a lot of experience and knowledge that can help you make that decision.