What to Expect From Your Home Inspection
Most home sales require you to get a home inspection done by a licensed & qualified home inspector. This report can ensure that you’re aware of any issues before you purchase a home.
Home inspectors can identify current issues, potential issues, and give you a better idea of what to expect of the ongoing maintenance the property will require.
A thorough home inspection can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs. Bottom line, you NEED to have a home inspection done so you can make a good, informed decision about purchasing a home. In this article, we’re going to discuss what you should expect from a home inspection.
What is a Home Inspection and What Happens During One?
A home inspection is a detailed walk-through, visual assessment of a property to determine the current state of its mechanics and structure which includes the roof, ceiling, walls, floors, doors, and windows. It’s like taking the home to the doctor to get a check-up. You want to make sure everything is in good working order and identify any weak spots that could become problematic down the line. This assessment will take a couple hours so be prepared for that.
A home inspector will walk through the entire property including attics, basements crawl spaces, garages, and the perimeter. They will check to see if major appliances are functional, check smoke/CO detectors, examine the heating & air-conditioning systems, assess plumbing and electrical, and do a structural evaluation.
A certified home inspector is trained to look for specific issues and detect possible future problems and report their professional opinion about the status of your home. You’ll receive a copy of the report so you can look it over and get a clearer picture of the home’s condition before deciding on buying. Keep in mind, the home inspector’s job is not to offer opinions about the sale price or whether they think you’re getting a good deal or not.
When Does the Home Inspection Happen?
Home inspections cost money so you don’t want to get one done on every property you look at. So, the home inspection happens after the Seller has accepted your offer but before you’ve purchased. Most lenders require proof of home inspection before they approve the sale. You’ll want to schedule the home inspection as soon as you’re “under contract”.
Hiring a Home Inspector
The responsibility of getting a home inspection falls on you, the Buyer. Even if the Sellers offer to share their home inspection, you’ll want to arrange for your own so you can hire an Inspector that you vetted yourself.
So how do you go about finding a good Home Inspector? Start by seeking recommendations from family members, friends, or colleagues. Search online database. There are several professional home inspector associations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Think of these as being similar to the National Association of REALTORS®. You can also do a local online search and see which businesses come up and check out their ratings & customer reviews. Look them up on the Better Business Bureau to see what their rating is and if any complaints.
It’s a good idea to interview potential Home Inspectors about their training, experience, and areas of expertise. You could ask for references from other clients. You will also want to get a few quotes and a sample report so you can see how detailed it is.
How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?
The national average cost of a home inspection is roughly $330, but that number will vary depending on where the home is located. Plan to spend $300-$500 on a home inspection. This may seem pricey, but a thorough home inspection could save you literally thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs or even prevent you making a poor purchase.
Buying a home in SW Florida is a whirlwind process with so many moving parts and can seem overwhelming but we can promise that home inspections are an important part of the home buying process. It’s something you want to take seriously. It is designed to help you learn as much about your new potential home as possible – the good, the bad, AND the ugly so you can make a good decision about buying. Seems overwhelming? That’s okay! That’s what we’re here for! Reach out today and learn how we can make your home buying process as stress-free as possible!
