Do I really need a home inspection?

Why do I need to get an Inspection...

So often I hear this question!  Sometimes it's because my client is purchasing new construction, sometimes it's because they feel they are qualified to tell what the condition of the home is on their own..  But honestly people whether you are buying or selling a home, you should have a professional home inspection performed.  It's pretty cheap insurance really...

Using a home inspector (and I go so far as to say be sure they are ASHI certified) will give you the peace of mind that the electrical, mechanical, and structural elements are at least working to the extent of which they were intended (a phrase you'll hear often when discussing home inspection reports and requests for repairs). 

The home inspector WILL not report on something cosmetic like a poorly painted room, or a scratch on those beautiful hardwood floors.  But those items are easy fixes compared to some structural mishap with a chimney or support beam in the attic that shows up later.

When spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on a home why anyone would take the risk of not having an inspection done is beyond me..  Oh I've even heard that they can't afford it because they need all the money they have for the closing and down payment.  When in fact if you don't have an inspection completed you will risk considerably more than the few hundred dollars it costs to have one done. 

And what about not getting an inspection done because it's a newly constructed home?  Bad idea again and I'll give you a real life situation!  During an inspection with one of my clients (who bought a wonderful custom built home in Holly Springs) their inspector Bill Delamar filled the luxurious jetted tub.  He tested the jets and everything appeared to be working just fine.  That was until he went to let the water drain out. 

Drain out it did indeed, ALL onto the bathroom floor then making its way into the master bedroom.  For you see the builder inadvertently neglected to connect the drain! Can you imagine that happening to YOU after a hectic day?  Where they happy they had their home inspected?  YOU BET THEY WERE!

It's customary here in the Raleigh Market to make an offer, negotiate, come to terms THEN have the home inspected.  A home inspection is a contingency item in the offer.  But I'm seeing more and more buyers that are going ahead and getting an inspection first before the deal is done.  If you're not happy with what the inspector finds you're no worse off. 

So what if your selling your home?  Is it a wise decision to go ahead and have a home inspection done before putting the home on the market.  You bet it is!!  One important reason is that you can find and remedy any issues before they potentially become a deal breaker.  Nothing gives a buyer warm fuzzies like a good home inspection report!

Home inspections - don't buy or sell without one!

 

 

About the author:  Pamela is with  The St. Peter HomeSelling Team at Prudential YSU Realty in the Triangle. 

A team of passionate North Carolina Brokers dedicated to connecting their clients to success in home buying and selling in the Triangle. 

Pamela can be reached via email at Pamela@RaleighHomesOnline.com or by calling (919) 645-2522.

For your real estate needs The St. Peter HomeSelling Team serves the following areas; Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs, Fuquay Varina, Garner, Wake Forest