Home Inspection is the process of examining the current condition of a house and making a note of any repairs needed. It’s important for both potential buyers and sellers to have this done so that everyone has a clear picture of the property they are considering. This can help prevent surprises down the road and give the buyer leverage in negotiations with the seller. It can also give the seller a chance to fix issues before they are discovered by a buyer’s inspector, which could save them from having to pay for expensive repairs down the road. Discover more on our website.

A standard home inspection will cover a number of areas including the heating and cooling system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors and windows; the foundation, basement and structural components. The American Society of Home Inspectors publishes a Standards of Practice that outlines what an inspector should look for. It’s a good idea for the buyer to be present during the inspection so that he or she can hear explanations of the findings, ask questions and take photographs. If there are any areas that are inaccessible, such as a locked or walled-off room in the basement, the inspector should make note of them and explain why they were not able to be examined.

While a homeowner can perform his or her own inspection, it’s usually a good idea to have one conducted by a professional. A licensed home inspector should be able to identify problems, offer suggestions for repair and prepare a comprehensive report on his or her findings. Many real estate agents can recommend inspectors or the consumer can search online for “home inspector.” It’s a good idea to get an estimate of costs from several different inspectors before hiring one.

Although no law requires a home inspection before purchasing a house, it’s an excellent way to have a better understanding of what you’re getting into and can help prevent unexpected problems down the road. It can also provide a new owner with a list of items to request the seller to fix before moving in, which can save time and money down the road. If a problem is found, the inspector can use his or her report as leverage during the negotiation process. This can save both parties a great deal of stress and heartache down the road. Ultimately, it can lead to a happier and healthier living experience for all. To learn more about this topic, please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns you have. We are always happy to help!