Home Inspections – Do you need it?

 When it comes to home inspections, we often get asked whether or not they should complete an inspection before buying their home. In short answer – yes. A home inspection is a critical part of any home sale and it assesses the house based on functionality. Let’s take a closer look into home inspections and why it’s best practice.

Buying a home is expensive as it is.  A thorough home inspection gives you the opportunity to learn more about your investment and time to fix the issues that may become problematic in the near future. With older homes, inspections can reveal significant problems with plumbing and electrical due to age. You will then want to renegotiate the details of the home purchase. You’ll have two options- more often than not, you will want the seller to fix the problem before closing. A less common option is that you take on the financial burden or all repairs. For example, if you bid $300,00 on a home and the repair cost $1,000. You can ask the seller to fix it or knock off $1,000 off the sale price, making it $299,000.

What a Home Inspection Covers

Home inspectors vary in experience and thoroughness, but a great inspector should examine certain components of the home and then produce a report with the following:

•  Which items needs replacement and if they should be replace or repaired.
•  If the problem is a safety issue, major defect or minor.
• Items that are okay for now but could become an issue in the future.

What a Home Inspection Doesn’t Cover

There is variation of what home inspectors look for, there are areas that are generally not covered by a home inspection. If you suspect any problems or concerns in the following areas, you may want to find a certified specialist for an evaluation.

• Pest control,
• Swimming pools,
• Asbestos,
• Radon gas,
• Venting equipment with household appliances,
• Indoor air quality,
• Lead paint and
• Toxic mold

How Do I Choose The Right Inspector?

• Talk to your real estate professional. They may be able to recommend a home inspector that they have worked with in the past and trust.
• Ask friends and family. If you know anyone who has recently gone through the home buying process, they may have a good recommendation.

The Bottom Line

A home inspection will cost you a little bit of time and money, but in the long run, you’ll be glad you did it.  If you are a first-time homebuyer, an inspection can give you a crash course in home maintenance and a checklist of items that need attention in the near future.  Addressing the issues early can save you money and the frustration of the repair.

Buying a home? Let us guide you to your destination and get you in contact with a preferred home inspector. CALL US HERE or email us at andrew@arehp.com

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