We can´t stress enough on the importance of getting a home inspected. In a nutshell, a home inspection helps you identify the hidden problems of a home that needs prompt fixing. Conducting prior home inspection tests will prevent you from facing a rude awakening later. After all, when you buy a home, you are not just purchasing that gorgeous master suite or stone-lined fireplace, you are also buying potential problems that could be lurking in the walls or the crawl space or the attic.
You shouldn’t skip the process of having the home inspected because of increased expenses or undue pressure from the seller. Isn´t it better to be safe than sorry? Isn´t it better to make an informed purchase? A home inspection provides you the information you need to make a sound purchasing decision. And, contrary to popular opinion, a home inspection won´t burn a huge hole in your pocket. In fact, it will help you save money in the long run.
Of course, it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of purchasing a new home. The overwhelming excitement can even make you forget about conducting a home inspection. However, as we have mentioned several times already, a home inspection is an essential part of the home purchasing process.
You should also be aware that a home inspection and a VA home appraisal are not the same. Appraisals do not provide you with a conclusive, detailed report of the property you wish to purchase. It doesn´t help you identify the deep-rooted and hidden problems of a property.
We would also advise you not to skip inspections on new constructions. Just because something is new doesn’t mean it is flawless.
So, what items or areas are covered during an average inspection?
An average inspection should include a thorough inspection of the homes steps, decks, exterior, chimneys, windows, roof, and doors. In addition to that, the inspection should also cover a thorough examination of the attics, plumbing, electrical components, central heating and air conditioning, garages, and basement/crawlspaces etc. After the conclusion of the inspection, you will receive a final written report that is concise and easy to understand.
Anyway, without straying away from the topic any further, here are some reasons why you should get a home inspection when purchasing a new home.
A Home Inspection Be Is Conducted to Identify Hidden Problems, Not Cosmetic Flaws
You shouldn’t be under the impression that home inspections only help point out the cosmetic flaws of the home. Home inspections, in the purest sense, are conducted to identify the adverse conditions and hidden problems of a home. We haven´t come across a perfect house in our lives and an inspection on any home is bound to reveal defects and faults. A home inspector will identify the conditions that require repair and will alert you of the safety-related concerns relating to the home. You should also be well aware that there is no sort of destruction involved with home inspections.
Home Inspectors Can Be Trusted
According to the NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, the home inspectors are legally obligated to serve as an unbiased third party to the real estate transaction. A reputable home inspector will not risk his reputation; he/she will not conduct a home inspection or prepare a home inspection report if his or her fee is contingent on dishonest conclusions. Therefore, in most cases, you can be assured that the home inspector you hire will provide you a truthful overall evaluation of the home you have inspected.
Home Inspections Can Help You Negotiate a Better Price
The home inspectors will help you decide if the home you wish to purchase is in a tolerable and livable condition. If the home is far from perfect, you can use the report submitted by the home inspector and show the seller the need for a certain repair. You can also use the report to negotiate a better price. Or, you can simply take the report to a contractor and use it to make repairs or to remodel a section of the home.
A Home Inspection Can Assist In Getting Repairs Made By The Seller
We mentioned earlier that home inspections can help you get a property at a better price. However, through home inspections, many buyers even include clauses in their contract requiring the seller to make the necessary repairs before any money is exchanged. If the seller is not willing to go through with the repairs, you can estimate the cost of the repairs and even request them to take the repair amount off the total. Basically, in a nutshell, home inspections can help give you valuable bargaining power.
Home Inspections Can Identify Life-threatening, Dangerous Defects
Before purchasing a home, it is absolutely essential for you to address safety items such as gas leaks to protect your family from potential harm. There might even be some naked wiring in the house that can cause major harm to your family if left untreated and unaddressed. Through home inspections, you will be able to identify such problems and thus, repair the defects before they result in costly damage or serious consequences.