As a buyer, you will want to fully understand home inspections and how they work. What can they find and what can go undetected? What happens if the inspection goes poorly? We will attempt to answer all your questions with our latest post!
You Should ALWAYS Have an Inspection Done On The Property
No matter what property you are buying, you should factor in the cost of a thorough and proper inspection. That said, they are not a legal requirement when you buy a home. Some banks will require a full inspection before signing off on a loan. Some people waive the inspection, but this is usually more common with cash buyers, looking to save a few bucks. The trouble with skipping the inspection is that if you run into problems down the road, it is solely on you.
You are buying as-is, and can’t ask for damages later. An inspection can save you thousands in repair costs you might not have seen on your own. So whether you are buying a duplex, condo or your grandma’s house… make sure to go ahead with an inspection from a licensed professional.
They Work For You
The inspection and related costs are on you, the buyer. That said, some sellers choose to have an inspection done when they decide to sell. This gives them a chance to make repairs and have the opportunity to address and negotiate problems upfront. Even if you are working with a seller who has done this, you should STILL take matters into your own hands, and have an inspection done by a licensed professional who comes highly recommended.
Because they work for you, you should do some research beforehand. What do their references have to say? Do they show exemplary qualifications? How extensive is their training? And remember, you are looking for a fully licensed and certified inspector. Not your friend Jim who knows a lot about construction.
They Can’t See It All
There are some things an inspector simply can’t inspect. Inside the walls, cracks in the chimney, inside the septic tank (ew), wells and environmental factors. For issues pertaining to these parts of your future home, you might consider consulting a specialist to further inspect. You wouldn’t want a serious problem to go undetected for lack of a proper inspection.
You Should Be There
This is your chance to learn everything you can about the house. We have had buyers get up on the roof with the inspector. Try not to be annoying, but take the opportunity to ask questions. If the inspector notices something is wrong, how could it affect other areas of the house?
Get a Report
Make sure it is written clearly and that it addresses all major components of the house. You should understand everything and if you have a question, simply ask. The report should cover all needed repairs. Get quotes to determine just what fixing the house will mean for you. Is it worth it?
You are now able to negotiate any repairs with the seller. Will they make repairs? Lower the price? Give you a credit? If the home has many defects, there is often an inspection contingency in your offer. This will allow you to back out of the sale if the inspection goes poorly.
Home inspections are the way to understand more about a home you want to buy. Before making any purchase, you should choose to hire a licensed and qualified inspector.