What to Expect from Your Home Inspection
The process of purchasing a home has many different steps and things that can be confusing.
One of the most important steps in this process is also one that people generally know the least about, and that the home inspection.
Here is everything you need to know about home inspections so you know what to expect when the time comes for you to get a home inspection.
General Information
A home inspection will generally take anywhere between 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size and age of the home, it could take more or less time. It is best to plan on the inspection being 3 hours, that way you are prepared.
Since you are having an inspection done on a house that you are wanting to purchase, it is highly recommended that you go to the inspection and stay there with the inspector.
The homeowner will leave while you and the inspector are there, so this is the perfect time to ask questions you may have and learn about the home as the inspector assesses it.
What the Inspector Will Look At
Home inspectors are general experts, which means that they know a lot about the entirety of homes, but are not experts on every specific component and system of a home.
That being said, home inspectors are trained and knowledgeable, and look for specific things in a home that will be signs of defects.
The Top 7 Things Inspectors Look for:
- Electrical System Damage
- Pest and Insect Infestations
- Structural Problems
- Plumbing Issues
- HVAC System
- Roof Damage and Age
- Water Damage
Why Do I Need a Home Inspection?
Finally, home inspections are one of the most important steps when purchasing a home, but it is also something that people frequently skip.
Skipping the home inspection is a huge mistake, because it can mean that you end up purchasing a home that is filled with problems, a money pit. Home inspections typically cost around 300 to 500 dollars, and can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs.
Home inspections are intended to be a helpful tool for buyers, they are made to give the buyer peace of mind that the home they are purchasing is safe for themselves and their family to live in.
Too often, those who skip the home inspection find out that their home has major problems not too long after they have moved in, and these defects can cost thousands of dollars, or even render the home unlivable.
Schedule a home inspection to give you peace of mind, and know that your home will be a safe and successful purchase for many years to come.
