First, you must know what home inspection is all about.
The excitement is contagious. After the showing, the inspection can be your longest stay in the house.
Anxiety is right behind this. What happens if an inspector discovers something is wrong? What if the inspector finds something wrong?
There’s also impatience. Is this the end of the home-buying process?
But not yet. But you are getting close. So take a deep breath. The most important thing about home inspection is that it’s too valuable for buyers. Here’s why.
A Home Inspector is Your Protector
Before you sign on for the long-term, an inspector will help you verify that the house isn’t hiding any issues. Think of it this way: A stranger wouldn’t be able to have coffee with you if they didn’t check their past.
Home inspectors identify any problems that could be found in a house, such as a leaky roof or faulty plumbing. It is important to do your research before hiring an inspector. It is important to understand what a typical home inspection looks like before you hire one.
Inspection is all about lists.
The home inspector will first review the property disclosure statement of the seller before he or she conducts an inspection. Each state has different requirements regarding what sellers must disclose on these forms. Some have stricter requirements than others. This statement lists all flaws that the seller knows about, which could adversely affect the home’s market value.
This disclosure is in the form a outline. It covers such topics as:
- Mold
- Pest infestation
- Roof leaks
- Foundation damage
- Other problems may arise depending on the state’s mandates.
An inspector is responsible for three things during an inspection:
- Identify the problems in your house
- Suggestions for fixes
- Calculate how much it might cost to repair your home.
A written report is usually prepared by the agent, which often includes photos. It details any problems with the property. It is a critical document for you and your agent. This report will be used to request repairs from sellers. We’ll also discuss how to do this in a moment.
The Inspector won’t check everything
Inspectors will only inspect houses for problems that are visible with the naked eye. To find hidden defects, inspectors won’t tear down walls or use magical X-ray vision.
Inspectors will not put themselves at risk. Inspectors won’t attempt to climb onto a roof that is too steep or high, for instance, to inspect for missing or damaged shingles. Instead, they will use binoculars to inspect it.
They cannot predict the future. Although an inspector can tell you how long the roof will last, they cannot tell you when it will need replacing.
Home inspectors are usually generalists. The basic inspection does not include a comprehensive evaluation of:
- Swimming pools
- Wells
- Systems for septic control
- Structural engineering work
- The ground below a home
- Fireplaces and chimneys
For wood-burning fireplaces in particular, inspectors will check dampers for safety and open and close them to ensure they work properly. They’ll also inspect chimneys for obstructions such as birds’ nests and make a note of any concerns.
You can find a certified chimney inspector through the Chimney Safety Initiative of America if you are concerned about safety of your fireplace.
It is your job to check the inspector
You are now ready to find someone who is a pro at all of these things. Your real estate agent is here to help you. You can ask your agent to recommend reliable home inspectors.
You can also get recommendations from friends and family (relatives are also helpful), or you can use online resources like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) Find a Home Inspector tool. This allows you to search by address, zip code, or neighborhood.
Before you decide who to hire, it is important to interview at most three inspectors. Ask questions like:
- Are your inspector certifications valid? Certifications for inspectors are dependent on where you live. Licenses may not be required in every state. Here is a list of all the requirements for each state by ASHI.
- How many years have you been in this business? It indicates that more homes have been inspected.
- What is the average cost of a home inspection? It costs around $315. The average cost for condos and homes less than 1,000 square feet is $200. Homes larger than 2,000 square feet may cost $400. Figures courtesy of HomeAdvisor.com
- How do you check? Get a clear picture of what you are getting for your money.
- What do you not check? There are some home inspectors that are more thorough than others.
- When will my report be available? The home inspection contingencies dictate that you must complete the inspection within a specified time frame. This is usually five to seven business days. A professional home inspector will give you the report within 24 hours of the inspection.
- Can you show me a sample of the report? This will allow you to see how thorough the inspector is and how well he or she explains issues.
You can sometimes find reviews online of inspectors on websites like Angie’s List or Yelp if you are looking for feedback from past clients to help you make your decision.
Come to Inspection (and bring your Agent)
Inspection day is upon us. While your presence and that of your agent are not necessary, it’s highly recommended. You’ll get a summary of the findings in the future, but it is a great opportunity to ask questions and learn about the inside workings of the house.
Allow for two to three hours of inspection time. The inspector will inspect the entire property from top-to-bottom. The inspector will inspect the property from top to bottom, checking for water pressure, leaks, plumbing, and other issues. If the door and window frames are straight, this could indicate a structural problem. Also, make sure that electrical wiring is in compliance with code. Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work. Make sure appliances are functioning properly. He or she will also inspect the exterior, including siding, drainage, and fencing.
An inspector may also be able check for termites and asbestos. These tests require more work and may require special certification. They are therefore charged an additional fee.
Be ready to negotiate
After you have received the report from the inspector, discuss it with your agent.
Sellers are legally required to make repairs. This can vary depending upon where they are located. The seller must fix most sales contracts.
- Structural defects
- Building code violations
- Safety concerns
However, most home repairs can be done in a reasonable time frame. You should be ready to fight for your rights. Minor problems, such as a loose kitchen faucet or cracked switchplate, can be fixed easily and inexpensively by you. It’s not a good idea to try and nickel-and-dim the seller.
Your agent may submit a formal repair request if there are serious issues with the house. This request should include a copy the inspection report. Requests for repairs should be as specific and detailed as possible. An example: A request to replace broken glass in the master bathroom should not say “repair broken Windows.”
- The seller must agree to fulfill all your repairs requests You will need invoices from licensed contractors proving that the repairs were done. It’s then time to move on to the next step: selling.
- If the seller replies to your repair requests by counteroffer He/she will indicate which repairs (or credits at close) he/she is willing to make. You have the option to accept, counter or cancel the counteroffer by the seller.
Remember to reflect on your feelings about the whole thing at the end of each day. Be realistic about the amount of repair work that you are willing to do. There is a lot at stake here. If you aren’t feeling comfortable, don’t be afraid to speak up.
Remember these important points during your home inspection in pasadena tx. Trust your inspector and trust your instincts. Your agent likely has a lot of knowledge to help you make a decision.
