Home inspections can prevent a lot of headaches for both buyers and sellers.
If you are buying a home, an inspection could reveal problems you never would’ve noticed. An inspection can require the seller to fix what needs fixing before you buy the home. You could also find issues that make you decide not to buy. If you’re a seller, an inspection can help you find problems before you put the house on the market, letting you make the repairs without wrangling over the cost with a potential buyer. Learn why you should get an inspection before selling your home.
A typical home inspection covers all major mechanical systems, structural integrity, cosmetic features and other aspects of the house.
- This includes:
Roofing surfaces flashngs, penetrations, drainage, overhangs.
Gutters and downspouts
Exterior
Garages
Exterior walls
Chimney
Foundation
Heating and cooling systems
Electrical
Plumbing
Basement and crawl space
Examination of the attic and roof to assess the insulation, ventilation, framing.
The task should take two to four hours or more, depending on the complexity of the job. Costs range from $300 to $800 for typical homes, but they can go higher depending on the age and type of structure.
What to expect on inspection day:
On the day of the inspection, the inspector performs an initial site evaluation. Then the inspector takes you on a tour to point out the assets as well as any potential problems. Pay attention, watch, ask questions and learn. A thorough inspection can find problems related to water entry, roof leaks, unsafe wiring, poor plumbing, wet basements, and safety hazards.
At the end of the inspection, you should receive a verbal summary of all the findings. Then a detailed computer generated inspection report with color photographs can usually be delivered within 2 to 4 hours after the time of the inspection.
So how can an inspector have expertise in so many different things? The simple answer is: Some don’t. That’s why it’s important to check an inspector’s background and references. Most home inspections are thorough, but even the best inspectors might not catch everything. The condition of the home is the ‘snapshot’ of that day, The home inspector is not going to find every possible thing wrong or that could go wrong. That’s an unrealistic expectation.
After the inspection, you will have a much clearer understanding of what it is you are about to purchase.
Schedule your appointment today. You’ll be glad you did!