The home buying process is almost complete. But do you understand the reasons to get a home inspection? Getting a home inspection done is critical to a stress-free buying process. Only ensure that you have a qualified person for the job. However, even with a professional, the right expectations help you avoid surprises. Here are five things to expect during a home inspection:
1. Be Present on the Inspection Day
It is normal for homebuyers to wait for the inspection report without attending the event. However, going through the house with the expert gives you a more detailed insight into the house than the report. The process also gives you a chance to ask any questions and get a professional viewpoint while examining the house. It only requires 2-3 hours.
2. Not a Pass or Fail Assessment
A home inspector describes a house’s physical condition but does not appraise it. They do not give a pass or fail report. Additionally, the expert cannot make the purchase decision for their client. The inspection, however, gives you a negotiation edge with your seller where major problems need fixing.
3. Things to Be Inspected
The need to avoid hidden costly problems is one of the reasons to get a home inspection. The American Society of Home Inspectors provides guidelines on what to inspect. Your consultant checks this:
- Plumbing
- Structural defects
- Wiring issues
- HVAC system problems
- Roofing
- Floors
- Foundation
- Walls
- Ceilings
Generally, these problems affect your house’s condition and safety.
4. Things not Inspected
Some home issues are beyond a home inspector and do not appear in the report. You will need a different professional to determine these things if you can’t do it yourself.
- They do not look at cosmetics unless it affects the house’s condition. For instance, a peel on the wallpaper may indicate water leakage or cracks, and your inspector will point it out.
- They do not advise on house compliance guided by the local building codes. Engage the municipal inspection for compliance issues.
- Unseen issues, such as pest infestation, molds, and dangerous substances, might not be detected. But if the house is visibly infested, your expert will note it down.
- If some areas are inaccessible or unsafe, the inspector may not assess them.
- If fixes are needed, the inspector does not compel you to do them.
5. An Inspection Report
A report helps you to go through issues extensively. Expect to find notes, summaries, pictures, and checklists from the inspector. The inspection report also estimates the useful life of paint, finishes, and major systems and equipment. If there were areas that the inspector did not assess, it should appear on the report. If there are concerns from the report, clear them with the inspector to get the process’s full value.
Finally, the reasons to get a home inspection cannot be over-emphasized. However, prepare for the process to get the full cost of home ownership. It also helps you make a home ownership decision and gives you a negotiating edge with the seller.
