So you've reached an agreement on purchase terms to buy or sell a house. Congratulations! Your inspection will come next, and for some people, that can be a stressful component of the sale. It doesn't have to be though! As long as both parties are aware of the purpose of the home inspection and are realistic about the condition of the home, an agreement can be reached and the deal will continue moving forward.
So how exactly does the home inspection process work? And do we always need to have one?
Let us answer of few of your questions:
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is an objective examination of a home by a licensed inspector. He or she inspects the physical structure of a home from roof to foundation, both exterior and interior. It's the inspector's job to work through the house with "a fine toothed comb". The inspection time can take between 2-6 hours to cover everything.
What is included in a home inspection?
The home inspector develops a report that covers the following in a home: heating system, air conditioning system (temperature permitting), plumbing, electrical, roof, attic, visible insulation, fireplace if applicable, ceilings, walls, flooring, doors, and windows. The inspector also looks at the home's foundation and basement if there is one. The inspector knows what to look for with each of these components and determines whether it's acceptable, needs maintenance, needs monitoring, or is a safety/defect item.
Why should I get a home inspection?
The short answer is that it's the smart thing to do and it protects your investment. What we recommend to clients is ALWAYS reserve the right to an inspection because we want them to know the condition of the house. Inspections will identify what needs to be repaired in a home and also what needs routine maintenance to keep the home in good working order. It provides peace of mind and clarity going into this large purchase.
How much will this inspection cost?
Generally, and inspection will cost anywhere from $250-600. The fee may vary based on the size and age of the home, and also additional services like septic, well, and radon testing if they apply.
What if some major issues are found in the house?
First, know that ALL inspection reports will find something, even if the home is in fantastic condition. Also know that if the inspector finds problems in the home, that doesn't mean you shouldn't buy it; it just means we need to work to get those issues fixed. If there are major repairs that need to be made, which are called safety or defect items, they will be listed as such on the inspection report. If you're a buyer, don't worry because these items must be fixed by the seller, and you'll be provided with receipts as proof. If you're a seller, you might already have known about some of these issues and are prepared to fix them. For sellers, if you want to keep the deal moving forward, our recommendation would be to get those items fixed or replaced by a professional contractor.
Where can I find a good inspector?
You are welcome to search Google and ask friends or family for recommendations. Your agent should be able to recommend several companies as well.
What is my role as a buyer in the inspection?
As the buyer, you will need to make the determination about which company you would like to use. If you feel comfortable, we recommend that you call and schedule the inspection as soon as possible after we have an executed purchase agreement or work with your agent to get it scheduled. Also, while you aren't required to go to the inspection, it would be to your advantage if you can stop by for the last half hour or so. You can talk to the inspector and ask questions, and he or she can show you specific items you may need to pay attention to.
I'm buying new construction. Do I need to get the house inspected?
Yes. Again, this inspection will offer peace of mind and will also catch any possible oversights the builder missed.
Have a great week!
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