A refresher on the importance of a home inspection

As you make your way through the home purchasing process, you will come across seemingly endless tasks and to-dos. One of the most essential items comes in near the very end, in the form of a home inspection. An inspection ensures your future home is liveable and move-in ready when the property becomes yours. Here’s a quick overview of why this step is so crucial, and why you should never skip it.

Safety first

The most important job of a home inspector is to make sure the property is safe to live in. This is one of the key reasons home inspections exist, and it should be at the top of your mind too. During an inspection, your future home will receive a thorough investigation. The inspector will examine the home’s foundation to confirm the structure itself is stable. They will also look for signs of rotting that could cause structural weaknesses and become a danger later. Inside the home, they will check for any mould growth. While mould generally isn’t life-threatening, it can cause allergic reactions and illness in some cases. 

A home inspection will also uncover any issues that aren’t necessarily a safety concern, but can still cause problems. For example, weak roof shingles, poor plumbing, or animal infestations are items you will want to address right away. Investing in a home inspection means ensuring your future house is fit for habitation!  

A home inspection can save you money

In the short-term, a home inspection is more expensive than opting to skip it altogether. For many buyers, it is tempting to save the money after going through the lengthy and expensive purchasing process. However, skipping an inspection is a decision you are likely to regret down the road. The cost of an inspection itself is not huge, but it can uncover problems that require large amounts of money to repair. For example, if you purchase a home and then discover the entire heating system needs to be replaced, this is thousands of dollars put on you to cover. Paying for an inspection today is a fairly small price compared to the bills you might face later.

Transparency with the seller

The results of a home inspection might lead you to negotiate with the seller if extensive repairs are needed. Assuming your offer was conditional upon the property passing an inspection, you have some control over how to proceed if issues are uncovered. For example, you can work with the seller to move forward with the purchase if they cover the costs of repairs. Alternatively, you have the option to walk away from the sale if you think it is in your best interest to do so. Of course, you shouldn’t invest in a home inspection simply because you hope to convince the seller to lower their asking price or pay for very minor repairs. Assuming you enter into the purchase in good faith, most sellers will be willing to work with you to complete the sale.

Go into the purchase with confidence!

Finally, a home inspection offers peace of mind in what can be a stressful and hectic period. You can move into your new home knowing it is safe and you are unlikely to encounter major problems in the near future. Skipping a home inspection means you can be surprised at any time by an expensive electrical problem or furnace replacement. Of course, there is no guarantee that you will never need to invest in major repairs for your property in the future. However, with a bit of luck, a home inspection means you will see these issues coming and have time to prepare for them.

Home inspections are one of the most valuable steps in the purchasing process. Between ensuring your own safety and helping keep costs low, you will thank yourself for taking the time to invest in this service. If you are just entering the real estate market and aren’t sure where to start, you can begin by reaching out to a mortgage broker! We can work together to find the right product to go with your future home.

If you have any questions about your mortgage, get in touch with us at Clinton Wilkins Mortgage Team! You can call us at (902) 482-2770 or contact us here.