5 Things You Should Know about Home Inspections

If you’re about to purchase a home, I recommend getting a home inspection before closing. What should you know about home inspections as a buyer?

1. You can choose your own home inspector. Your Realtor should have recommendations for you, but you’re free to research potential home inspectors online for yourself.
2. Home inspections are intended to point out adverse conditions in the home, not cosmetic flaws. At the end of the inspection, you should definitely meet with the home inspector so that he or she can walk you through the home and call your attention to any flaws. Realize during this time, though, that there will be flaws in the home; no home is perfect.
3. A home inspection report includes only the basics. During an average inspection, the inspector will consider hundreds of items in and around the interior of the home as well as the exterior. The foundation, porches, decks, chimney, and roof will all be inspected, in addition to any electrical components, plumbing, central air and heat, the attic, and garage inside the home. Having a detailed report like this will help you become more comfortable with the home you’re buying.
4. You’ll need to pay for the home inspection. You won’t want to negotiate with a seller to hire an inspector seller’s choice because you want the home inspector to work for you and give you the most unbiased opinion possible.
5. Inspectors are not responsible for the condition of the home. Inspectors won’t look under the carpet or inside the walls where other potential issues may arise.

If you have any questions regarding the home inspection process or you’d like a referral for a great home inspector, please give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to speaking with you!