As a buyer, the home inspection process remains one of the most important deciding factors when buying a home in norfolk. A home is most likely the largest purchase you’ll make in your lifetime, so it makes sense to have your dream house professionally inspected before closing the sale.
A home inspection is one of the many steps in the home-buying process. It helps protect the buyer from purchasing a home with undisclosed problems. One of the ways you can do that is by getting a professional home inspection.
Read through this article to better understand what a home inspection is and how to do it if you are inspecting yourself.
What is a home inspection?
A professional home inspection is when a qualified home inspector looks for defects and potential problems. Just as an appraisal is designed to protect mortgage lenders, an accurate home inspections is for the home buyer’s benefit. A home inspector is trained to assess the condition of the property. It’s optional in most cases.
Including a home inspection contingency in your home purchase agreement is crucial, especially if you’re not an experienced home inspector who can spot deficiencies. This is vital for understanding the things that fail a home inspection. Engaging a professional from Keystone Home Inspections for this task is advisable. Such a contingency allows you to negotiate if significant repairs or maintenance are uncovered, which you’d need to pay for.
However, be mindful that sellers might refuse this contingency in a competitive market with multiple offers. It’s important to note that the home inspector does not give the home a pass or fail grade; as the buyer, that decision is yours. This guide provides insights to help you inspect a house thoroughly before making a purchase.
Home inspection checklist
Just as sellers play a vital role in preparing their home for an inspection, a buyer has an integral role to play as well.
Here is the home inspection checklist you need to prepare for and get the most out of your buyer’s home inspection.
Exterior of The House
Roof
All roofs need maintenance, so you’ll want to know how soon it could become a significant expense. Find out how old it is and ask questions about any damage or discoloration you notice. Also, check nearby trees. Leaves and branches cause damage and give rodents easy access. A precise roof inspection is necessary before buying a house.
Water Damage & Leakage
Water damage can rot wood and cause severe rust, damaging your foundation and can cause mould. Look for anything that would cause rainwater to flow onto or under the house. The rain gutters should be clean and direct water away from the property. Check for any kind of leakage on the exterior.
Structural Inspection
Structural damages could prove costly. Watch out for big cracks in the ground, raised foundations, or walls. Also, pay attention to any trees growing close to the house; their roots can cause severe damage to the structure that isn’t obvious but can cause serious threats.
Interior of The House
Electrical Inspection
An electrical safety check is a survey of a property’s electrics state, including fuses, wiring, sockets, and switches. You don’t need to do an electrical check, but buyers often get one done before moving in. It can flag up any potentially costly problems before you sign the contracts.
Water Inspection
Water can be so destructive, so you’ll want to look for it everywhere. Watch out for:
- Water stains on ceilings, walls, or floors. These could indicate a roof or pipe leak.
- Leaks or water stains inside sink cabinets. Make sure that sinks and tubs drain correctly.
- Evidence of leaks in the attic and basement.
- Water stains below windows. Bubbling paint on a window frame could be evidence of water intrusion and a poor seal.
Appliances Check
Turn on appliances, including the heater and air conditioner, to ensure they run. Run the garbage disposal. Confirm the home has hot water, and all plumbing fixtures work. If all the appliances are working fine, the house is ready.
How Much A Professional Home Inspection Costs?
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, a typical professional home inspection price range is $300 to $500, but you might pay more. The price will vary depending on where you live and the condition and size of the home. A larger home could cost more. The home buyer pays for the home inspection.
In addition to the items above, if the attic, basement, or crawl space, the inspector will probably enter those areas. Other items that are commonly checked include:
- Walls, ceilings, floors, and doors
- Interior plumbing fixtures
- Structural integrity
- Proper ventilation
- Visible termite damage
- Electrical panel
- Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter receptacles, which are outlets that protect you from getting shocked
- Carbon monoxide detector and smoke detector
- Garage door operation
An inspector conducts home inspections to ensure everything is functional and safe, and provides a detailed report on necessary repairs and updates. This is why the cost of home inspection, especially when looking for home inspections near me with home inspection certification, can be quite expensive.
Conclusion
A home inspection is one of the most valuable tools in a buyer’s toolkit when purchasing a home. Ensuring that you’re prepared for this critical step will help you understand your new home and prepare for its continued maintenance. Be sure to ask the inspector if they have any specific recommendations or requests so you can be prepared. If you are doing the home inspection by yourself, take advantage of every single thing from the checklist given above this will save you time and money.