Buying a new Home? Get a Home Inspection!
Investing in a home inspection is crucial when purchasing a property. It not only provides peace of mind but can also be mandatory for securing a loan. While home inspectors typically charge between $270 and $400, depending on the size and features of the property, this cost pales in comparison to potential hidden repairs.
What to Expect During a Home Inspection:
A thorough home inspection covers both the interior and exterior of the property, focusing on key areas:
Exterior:
- Structural integrity: Inspecting for foundation cracks, including in the basement and garage.
- Exterior surfaces: Examining sidewalks, driveways, windows, gutters, and roofing for damage or wear.
- Roof: Checking for missing or damaged shingles and assessing overall roof condition.
Interior:
- Structure: Identifying potential issues like buckling floors, uneven walls, or ceiling concerns.
- Water damage: Looking for signs of water damage throughout the house, including the basement and garage.
- Basement: Inspecting structural elements like support beams for cracks or weakness.
Systems:
- Electrical: Evaluating capacity, condition, and functionality of lighting and outlets.
- Plumbing: Checking water shut-off valves, fixtures, drains, and overall functionality.
- HVAC: Assessing wiring, ventilation, and fireplace condition.
- Appliances: Examining the condition and functionality of major appliances.
**Important Note:**
Home inspectors typically do not test for lead paint, radon, pests, asbestos, mold, well water quality, or sewer system functionality. However, if the inspector encounters any indications of potential issues with the foundation or systems, they will recommend contacting specialized professionals for further evaluation.
Finding the Right Home Inspector:
Working with your local Realtor often provides access to a network of trusted home inspectors. Your Realtor can even assist with scheduling the inspection. Utilizing referrals ensures a thorough inspection and helps identify potential red flags before finalizing the purchase.
Reviewing the Report and Next Steps:
The home inspector should be readily available to review the report and address your questions and concerns. They usually provide detailed photos within the report, aiding in visualizing potential repairs.
If the report reveals significant concerns, you can negotiate with the seller. This could involve lowering the purchase price to account for repairs or requesting the seller to address specific issues before finalizing the sale. Remember, early detection of costly repairs can save you significant money in the long run.
By investing in a comprehensive home inspection, you gain valuable knowledge about the property's condition, empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your potential new home purchase.
Dylan has spent the most of his professional career in retail banking and financial services. What began with credit counseling and collections eventually transitioned into sales, operations, and management for several of the top retail banks in the United States. Dylan founded HMG to bring his clients a better experience overall and the ability to offer his customers greater mortgage options and pricing.
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