So you’re on your way to buying a new home. You've reached a written purchase agreement with the home seller, so what is next? Your purchase agreement is most likely contingent on a home inspection, which is for your own protection. The purpose of the home inspection is to identify items of concern and safety issues. It is also to give buyers and sellers a better understanding of the home’s condition. An inspection will run about $400.00, however if it turns up an issue you may want to start another round of negotiations for the home. Or perhaps it changes your mind about the property, either way it could be the best $400.00 you ever spend.
The inspection will be performed by a trained professional. If you do not have one in mind your real estate agent will be able to recommend one for you. An inspector will look for issues in the home that may not have been visible when you viewed the home. The general home inspection is based on the observations made on the date of the inspection, and not a prediction of future conditions. The home inspection will not reveal every issue that exists or ever could exist, but only those material defects observed on the date of the inspection.
An inspection includes:
- A thorough visual inspection of the structure inside and out, from foundation, crawl space, to roof.
- An examination of all major systems both mechanical and electrical. Everything from garage doors to fuse boxes.
- Evaluation of hundreds of components.
- A printed report explaining all significant findings and recommendations.
The home inspection can take 2 to 3 hours. You are not required to be there, but you can if chose to do so. It may be to your advantage to be there so you can ask questions as the inspector reviews any issues they might find. It can also be educational to find out how the inspector determines what to look for. Once you have this knowledge as a home owner you will be able to identify any issues that may develop after you own the home. Do not be alarmed if the inspector finds some issues. No home is in perfect condition. If you are there with the inspector you can ask how serious an issue may be.
Below are some of the components a home inspection includes:
- Roof
- Gutters
- Windows
- Doors
- Siding
- Trim
- Grading
- Driveway & Walkways
- Decks & Patios
- Fireplaces Ceilings & Walls
- All Plumbing Elements
- All Electrical Elements
- Foundation
- Framing
- Crawlspace
- Attic
- Hot Water Heater
- HVAC
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