Welcome to Top Benefits of Home Inspection!
Buying a home is often one of the biggest investments you’ll make in your lifetime. It can be exciting, but it also can be stressful, especially when you’re navigating the real estate market for the first time. With so many moving parts to keep track of, it’s easy to overlook important details that could impact your investment in the long run. And that’s where top benefits of home inspection come in.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an evaluation of the condition of a residential property, typically conducted during a real estate transaction. The purpose of a home inspection is to identify any issues or defects in the property that may affect its value or safety.
During a home inspection, a professional inspector evaluates various aspects of the property, including the plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, roofing, foundation, and other structural components. Inspectors look for signs of damage or wear and tear and often use specialized tools and equipment to thoroughly evaluate the condition of the property.
After the inspection, the inspector provides a detailed report listing any issues or defects that were identified during the inspection, as well as their severity and significance. This report is often used by the buyer to negotiate repairs, a lower price, or other concessions with the seller, or to make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the purchase.
While the bank will likely require an appraisal prior to approving your mortgage loan, most banks do not require a home inspection, leaving the decision up to you. If you’re considering purchasing a home, especially if you will be a first-time homeowner who has not seen common problems firsthand, it is highly recommended you get a home inspection to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting.
Top Benefits of Home Inspection
There are several benefits of getting a home inspection during a real estate transaction.
Uncovers Hidden Problems
The place may have curb appeal, but that won’t help if you’re battling a basement mold problem the minute you move in.
Home inspections reveal issues or defects in the property that are not readily apparent. There could be problems with the plumbing, electrical systems, the roof, or even the foundation that require the keen eye of a professional or use of special equipment to identify.
If the problems are not too significant, you could use them to negotiate a lower price with the seller, or require they be repaired prior to closing. However, some issues will significantly affect the living condition or home value, and might lead you to decide it’s best to walk away from the deal instead.
Provides Insight
Even if you don’t find out about any deal-breaking details, you’ll still get loads of information to help you plan accordingly.
With a comprehensive summary of the property’s condition in hand, you’ll receive the knowledge to plan for potential future expenses and ensure that they are aware of any potential issues that may require attention after the purchase.
Gives You Leverage
Knowledge is power.
A home inspection provides information that helps you during negotiations. Are there plumbing defects that need a licensed plumber to correct? Is the roof nearing the end of its useful life?
Finding out you’ll be putting even more money into the property shortly after closing helps you negotiate a lower price, repairs, or other concessions from the seller. You’ll get a better deal, a property with less problems, or both as a result.
How to Schedule a Home Inspection
To schedule your home inspection, you’ll first need to find a reputable home inspector. Your real estate agent should have some in mind and will help streamline the process to make it quick and easy.
If your agent does not have someone to recommend, searching for local inspectors online is a viable option. Check the reviews and look for clues regarding the customer experience. Generally speaking, if an inspector or inspection company has many reviews and they are predominantly positive, they will likely make a good pick.
From there, reach out and discuss the inspector’s availability. Be ready to provide pertinent details about the property, including the address, size, and age of the home. Once the call concludes, you’ll need to clear the date with the seller or their real estate agent. Again, your real estate agent is often willing and able to take care of this entire process, allowing you to relax and focus on other things like what wall you’ll mount your big-screen TV once you close and move in.
Once the details are firmed up, you’re good to go!
What to Expect During a Home Inspection
You don’t have to attend your home inspection, and the report will often include pictures to illustrate what it outlines. However, it is highly recommended you do attend, as being there gives you a great opportunity to truly gauge what’s going on with the property before you purchase it.
The inspection often starts with an overview of the exterior, including the roof, gutters, siding, windows, doors, and foundation. They will look for any visible signs of damage or wear and tear. Once they’re satisfied with this portion, they’ll work their way indoors.
The inspector looks at the walls, ceilings, floors, and doors. They test electrical outlets, switches, and fixtures, inspect the heating and cooling systems, including the furnace, air conditioner, and ductwork, and evaluate the plumbing system, including the water supply and drainage systems. Any built-in appliances, such as a stove, refrigerator, or dishwasher, will be checked as well.
After looking over these key items, the inspector moves on to evaluate the structural components of the property, including the foundation and framing, to determine if there is any wear and tear or evidence of past problems.
In some cases, the inspector will use specialized instruments such as a moisture meter or thermal imaging camera. They often test for the presence of radon gas or other environmental hazards that will be costly to repair or reveal the home is unsafe to live in until the condition is corrected.
After the inspection is complete, the inspector will compile a detailed report of any issues or defects identified during the inspection. The report will typically include photos and explanations of any recommended repairs or maintenance.
Common Problems Found During a Home Inspection
You never know just what you’ll turn up during the inspection, but there are some common ones inspectors see regularly. Some of the most common problems found during an inspection include:
Roofing issues: The inspector may identify issues with the roofing, such as missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or poor installation.
Electrical issues: The inspector may identify electrical issues, such as outdated wiring, overloaded circuits, faulty outlets or switches, or non-functional smoke detectors.
Plumbing issues: The inspector may identify plumbing issues, such as leaky pipes, low water pressure, or outdated fixtures.
Structural issues: The inspector may identify structural issues, such as cracks in the foundation, bowing or leaning walls, or sagging floors.
HVAC issues: The inspector may identify issues with the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as malfunctioning thermostats, dirty filters, or inadequate ventilation.
Environmental hazards: The inspector may identify environmental hazards, such as the presence of radon gas, mold, or asbestos.
Water damage: The inspector may identify water damage, such as mold growth, staining, or warping.
Poor insulation: The inspector may identify poor insulation, which can result in high energy bills and uncomfortable living conditions.
Not all issues will be deal breakers; some may be minor and easily remedied. The inspection report is crucial for helping you as a buyer negotiate a better deal so you don’t wind up overpaying for a property that needs immediate work.
What if the Seller Already Had the Property Inspected?
Many sellers will have a home inspection completed before listing the property so they know what your inspector might uncover. This provides them a chance to remedy deal-breaking conditions before listing the home and subsequently entering negotiations.
After all, they won’t want to have a curve ball cost them a deal down the line, especially if you have an accepted offer and are already careening towards closing. As a buyer, can you take their word that the inspection was thorough and save yourself the cost?
Absolutely not.
The seller is not required to disclose the report during closing, so you won’t know exactly what turned up. In addition, their inspection is technically only valid on the day the inspection was performed. If this date is several months before you made your offer, there’s no telling what the property has sustained in the interim.
Having your own inspection is the only way to ensure the information you’re getting is up-to-date and prioritizes your best interests. Even if the seller had one done recently, it’s worth it to get one of your own to find out for yourself.
Top Benefits of Home Inspection – Final Thoughts
Getting a home inspection during a real estate transaction provides many advantages to you as a buyer. By having a professional inspector evaluate the condition of the property, you’re able to make a more informed decisions about your investment and identify any potential issues or defects that need to be addressed.
It’s not just the information that a home inspection provides; it’s also peace of mind. Knowing that the property has been thoroughly evaluated by a professional inspector can give you the confidence you need to know you’re getting exactly what you want with no surprises, allowing you to move forward with the transaction without lingering doubts or worries.
While it may add an additional expense to the transaction, the benefits of a home inspection far outweigh the cost. As a buyer, it’s important to prioritize a home inspection in your own transactions and work with a licensed and certified inspector to ensure that you’re making a smart investment in your future home.
Top Benefits of Home Inspection – Our Team
Do you need help with home inspections and other real estate related processes?
If you’re in the market to buy or sell a house in Central Ohio, our team offers experience, expertise, and the best customer service in the area. Please contact us at (614) 316-3324. We’re ready to assist with all your real estate needs now.
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