A new home is one of the most significant purchases you can make in your lifetime. You want to love everything about it, so it’s important to have it inspected. Here are some inspection tips for buyers.
A home is more than just the outward appearance. Homes consists of internal structural framing, an electrical system, a plumbing system, heating devices, air conditioning units, and other components.
Minor cosmetic issues and necessary repairs should be the least of your concerns. You must ensure that the home does not have any major complications that will affect its durability and functionality. Additionally, you want to make certain you will not be facing any underlying expenses that may break the bank.
This is where a home inspection comes into play.
Home inspection is a valuable and highly necessary aspect of purchasing a home. Continue reading to learn a few home inspection tips for buyers.
The Professional Home Inspection
Out of all of the home inspection tips for buyers, the most important is to ensure that you get a professional home inspection. The visual examination should be done by an individual with a trained eye. These inspections are done to disclose any type of defects that are present.
The defects outlined are those that could detrimentally impact the safety of the home, the general livability of the home, as well as the resale value. Once finished, the home inspection professional will provide you with a comprehensive report of their findings.
Remember, cosmetic issues are generally not disclosed in this report. To know what will be included, ask the professional to see their inspection checklist and ask what does a home inspection cover.
Identifying the Ideal Inspector
Now that we have told you the most important of all home inspection tips for buyers, it is time to provide a few details on how to identify the best home inspector for the job. The following outlines characteristics that will put you on the winning side of the inspection:
- First, you should consider the professional’s experience and the number of years that the person has been conducting evaluations.
- Next, you will want to opt for those businesses that specialize in home inspections and advertise this specialty.
- When inquiring about the report you will receive after the home inspection, ensure that you will receive both an oral and a written report.
- Opt for those professionals that hold a certification in home inspections.
- Finally, choose home inspectors that are insured. This way, if something is missed during the course of the professional’s evaluation, you will be protected.
Be Present
When it is time for the walk-through inspection, it is imperative that you are there and actively engaged in the inspection. This will aid in providing you the highest level of insight as to the condition of the home that you want to purchase.
When scheduling the home inspection, be sure to inquire about obtaining a copy of the inspection checklist, home inspection how long, what does a home inspection cover, and information about the walk-through inspection.
Inspection Checklist
When it comes to home inspection tips for buyers, it is imperative that you know and understand all of the components of the home that should be included in the inspection checklist. These include the following:
- The overall structure and the foundation of the home
- The general level and type of construction of the home
- The electrical system
- All components of the plumbing system
- The roof of the home
- The floors of the home
- The heating unit
- The air conditioning unit
- Any appliances that will be part of the home
- The attic region
- The basement of the structure
- The inside walls and the ceiling
- Any and all ventilation systems
- The drainage components of the home
- The gutters of the home and the garage
- The garage or garages
- Any sheds present on the property
- Carports
- Walkways surrounding the home
- The driveway of the home
- Sprinkler units of the home
- If there is a pool, spa, or jacuzzi
- Determining the presence of wood-destroying pests, such as termites and carpenter ants
Turn on Utilities
When searching for home inspection tips for buyers, one of the most common mistakes made is failure to have the utilities turned on prior to the inspection.
If there is no water, gas, or power running to the home, it will be impossible to review all of the components of the home that should be on the inspection checklist.
Water Testing
The actual home and all of the structures on the inspection checklist are not the only things you should have inspected before buying a home. You should also have the water tested.
If the home has a well, you should always test for contaminants. Not only does this help you determine if the water is safe, but, it also helps you determine the overall integrity of the plumbing system. It can reveal what types of pipes are in the home, if there is arsenic or radon in the water, and even if mold is in the structure.
A home inspection is a critical component to purchasing a home. You must know what you are dealing with before you are directly responsible for dealing with it.
A home is more than a residence, a dwelling…it is an investment. It is an investment into your family, your future…. You must learn as much as possible about that structure. Not only as to the condition of the home, but what to expect from the future of the home. We here at All Pest can help you with that, and more.
We specialize in home inspections for sellers and home inspections for buyers. We encourage you to join us as we carefully evaluate the structure that you are interested in purchasing. We will review all major systems of the home and educate you on the future maintenance expectations of the property. We will provide you with a comprehensive report that will help you ensure that you are making a sound investment into your future.
For more information, Contact us Today.
Resources:
https://www.trulia.com/blog/8-home-inspection-missteps-that-cost-buyers-money/
https://www.zillow.com/home-buying-guide/home-inspection-checklist/
http://www.homeinspector.org/HomeInspectionNews/the-quick-home-inspection-checklist-what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-home.5-1-2017.1724/Details/Story