You’ve just found the new house you’ve been searching for and you’re ready to start picking out those new paint colors. But what if you’re buying a money pit? You’re making a major investment, after all. It’s a common concern for any home buyer. And, that’s why you need a home inspection.
Why do I need a home inspection?
A home inspection will help you learn about and evaluate the overall condition of a house before you buy it. You may discover a need for major repairs or design flaws, as well as any other maintenance that might be needed. The home inspection will help you decide if your home is a solid investment or if you need to reconsider your offer.
What does a home inspector do?
A home inspector is there to provide an objective opinion on the home’s condition. A home inspector will review the physical structure of a home from top to bottom. The home inspector will also examine internal systems like heating/cooling, plumbing, and electricity, as well as major appliances.
A home inspection usually takes about 3-4 hours depending on the size and age of the home. The home inspector will take detailed notes and pictures of what they find and will compile all of this information into a report for you to keep.
This report is only to assess the condition of the home and will not tell you if you are getting a good deal or not. An inspector will not tell you whether or not to buy a home. That’s for you to decide.
Should I be there for the Inspection?
Absolutely! Being present for the inspection allows you to ask questions and get the most out of the process. Just be sure not to get in the inspector’s way, or try to inspect the home yourself. Let your home inspector work and go over their findings.
What do I do with the home inspection report?
So, you’ve got your home inspection report. Now what? A good report will provide with critical information about the physical condition of the home and its systems, as well as the remaining life expectancy of major home appliances.
It’s important to understand that these reports are detailed, so it’s not uncommon to see a lot of deficiencies. But if your house is in good condition, most of these will be small. The report should include information about the severity of each issue, as well as estimates on how much it would cost to fix each problem. Be sure to pay close attention for any serious problems that make the home unsafe and need to be fixed immediately.
Once you have some time to consider the home inspector’s findings, you have several options. If you are pleased with the results of the inspection, you can move into your new home with a sense of peace.
If you have major concerns about the condition of the home, you and your Realtor can negotiate to have the seller either make major repairs, make certain concessions, or lower the price of the home. And, you can always decide to back out of the sale as well.
How to find a home inspector
The easiest way to find a home inspector is to as your Realtor for referrals. Most Realtors have inspectors they have used before and are happy to recommend. You might also consider asking friends and family that have been happy with their own inspections who they used.
Any questions regarding Home Inspections or any Real Estate in general don’t hesitate to contact me.
