What to expect with an inspection

In the words of Vic, “There’s no such thing as ready. You just jump on a moving train and try not to die.” Part of a home buyer’s due diligence in the buying process is ordering a home inspection for the property, which is like a doctor’s checkup for the house. The home inspector, or doctor, will check all the major systems in the house and diagnose both big and small problems that they find. So, what can you expect in your home inspection?

Why get an inspection

Generally, the buyers of the house order a home inspection to help ensure that all the major systems are in working condition.  It is also done to make sure there are no major defects that the buyers or sellers were unaware of. Foregoing a home inspection could cost a buyer a lot of money down the road. This is because they were uninformed of a serious defect in the home.

Certifiable

When a certified home inspector comes to the home, they will create a detailed and itemized report. They will determine the condition of the home’s systems and identify any deterioration of the home. This results in providing any recommendations to the home buyers. The inspector can only do a visual inspection of the place. This means that they can’t move any furniture around or cause any damage to the property. They are also not required to determine the indoor air quality of a place. This includes whether or not there is any presence of toxins unless it is visually observable. While a home inspector isn’t responsible for determining the air quality, they can report the absence of ventilation in areas where moisture is most common. This can lead to concerns in the air quality.

Exterior checkup

When a home inspector goes through the house, they will look at key elements to ensure that they are operating properly by noting the condition of them and any damage. They will inspect the exterior of the house by looking at the roof, driveway, steps, doors, and siding. While the home inspector cannot go onto the roof of the house, they will note any serious damage that can be seen from the ground. Home inspectors will also look at the structure of the house. This includes the foundation and framing to ensure that the house is sound and will withstand the elements.

Interior checkup

Once a home inspector checks the exterior of the house, they will move to the interior and look at walls, floors, and windows. They will also check the plumbing and electrical systems in the house.  This can cost home owners thousands of dollars in repairs down the road if there are any issues with them. When checking the plumbing and electrical, they will look at the water supply, heating, drainage, breakers and fuses, and control panels. It is important to not overlook any red flags in the plumbing and electrical since these can become very costly. After the home inspector finishes the inspection of the property they will compile their report. The report may recommend specific repairs and upgrades to the home buyers.

Do your due diligence

Home inspections are an important part in the due diligence of home buyers since it will determine the condition of the home and identify any underlying problems before you close the sale. Buyers can make the purchase of the home contingent upon the outcome of the home inspection report. This means that if there are any issues with the condition of the home the home inspector finds, the buyer can terminate the contract within a specified time frame. Doing this can save the home buyer thousands of dollars down the road if there was an underlying problem.

Still have questions?

Nervous about the buying process? Get in touch with us here and we’ll help guide you through the process.