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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Simply put, a home inspection is when a licensed inspector visits a property to examine it for issues. This is often a precautionary step during the home-buying process that ensures the home is physically up-to-date and ready for a new owner.
It’s almost impossible to know all the details without the knowledge of a professional inspector. If there’s damage that isn’t immediately visible, for example, it could cost the buyer thousands of dollars in repairs if they skip the inspection. On the other hand, an inspection ensures that there aren’t any unwanted surprises and the buyer knows exactly what they’re getting into.
WHAT TO EXPECTÂ
A home inspector will look at the interior and exterior parts of the home like the foundation, structural components, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, then provide a written home inspection report with results.
The inspection generally takes two to four hours but may take more time depending on the size of the house. After the physical inspection, the home inspector may take a couple of days to send the written report.
Buyers should attend the inspection so they can explore their new home in detail and ask questions during the process. This can give you much more information than the report alone.
INSPECTION BENEFITS
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Peace of mind
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Identifying hidden problems and associated costs
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Negotiating power and making the process smoother and more efficient
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Safety Assurance
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Empowers buyers to make more informed decisions
Is a home inspection just for new home buyers?
Not at all. It’s also for existing homeowners! A home inspection may be considered in order to identify problems in the making, and to learn important preventive measures to avoid costly future repairs.
If the home checks out, did I really need an Inspection in the first place?
Most certainly, yes. Now that your new home has been thoroughly inspected, you can complete your home purchase with confidence in its overall condition and its vital systems and components.
Do I need to be present for the inspection?
If you’re selling your home and having a pre-listing inspection, it’s a good idea to stick around for the inspection to give you some insight on what you should fix before listing your home. However, if the buyer hired the inspector, there’s no reason for you to be present.
What if the home inspection reveals problems?
If you find serious issues, you can back out of the sale due to a home inspection contingency clause or you can ask the seller to fix the issues before moving forward with the purchase of the home.
