A home inspection is designed to assess the condition of the home before purchasing. Some buyers opt not to have an inspection to speed up closing, but this can be a risky and costly move. Buying a new home is a BIG purchase and investment, it should be treated as such. Avoid pricey fixes in the future by getting a home inspection before finalizing your purchase.
What Does the Home Inspector Look For?
No matter how beautiful a home is, it takes a true expert to find issues that could arise in the future. In a home inspection, a home inspector is typically looking for the bulleted items below, however home inspection requirements can vary by state.
- Roofing Issues
- Exterior Deterioration and Damages
- Plumbing Issues
- Electrical Problems and Hazards
- HVAC/Heating System Issues
- Foundation and Structural Concerns
A home inspection can take anywhere from 2-3+ hours and can cost a few hundred dollars plus, every penny is worth it if something more costly were to fail inspection and you are the owner stuck with the bill. Duration and cost can vary based on the size, location, and a few other factors about the home. We encourage you to engage with your inspector and Realtor® during this process so that you can fully understand your inspection and what costs may or may not arise in the future. The inspector will write EVERYTHING down, do not let this discourage you, go through the list with them to understand what is minor versus what is major.
What Happens After a Home Inspection?
When the home inspection comes back and the home in a good condition, you can get to work on the paperwork and rest easy knowing you made the right decision. Make sure you fully understand the inspection and what you are now taking responsibility for before completing your purchase.
If the home inspection comes back with issues concerning roofing, plumbing, electrical, foundation, or the HVAC system, you can consult with your Realtor about negotiating payment of these issues or lowering your purchase offer. If the issues are more than you bargained for and your contract allows for it, you can back out of the purchase. If this situation were to happen, you’ll be happy to walk away from what could have been a financial disaster. From there your Realtor® can guide you to something more move in ready.
Need a Home Inspector Recommendation?
Visit our Vendor Directory for The DeSelms Team’s preferred home inspectors.
View Vendor Directory
