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WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A HOME INSPECTION

A home inspector is your protector

An inspector helps you make sure a home isn’t hiding anything before making a long-term commitment.

A home inspector identifies any reasonably detectable problems with the home (a leaky roof, faulty plumbing, etc.). Hiring an inspector is doing your due diligence. To find a good one, it helps to understand what a typical home inspection entails.

An inspection is about lists.

Before an inspection, the home inspector will review the seller’s property disclosure statement. (Each state has its own requirements for what sellers must disclose on these forms; some have more stringent requirements than others.) The statement lists defects known to the seller that could negatively affect the value of the home.

The disclosure comes in the form of an outline, covering such things as:

  • Mold
  • Pests
  • Leaks on the roof
  • Hurtfoundation
  • Other issues, depending on what your state requires.

During the inspection, an inspector has three tasks:

  1. Identify problems visible of the house.
  2. Suggest fixes.
  3. Cook with a written report, usually with photos, noting the defects observed.

This report is critical to you and for your agent; well this is what you will use to request repairs from the seller.

The inspector did not will record everything

Inspectors typically only examine homes for problems that can be seen with the naked eye. They won’t break down walls or use X-ray vision to find hidden flaws.

The inspectors will not put themselves in danger either. If a roof is too high or steep, for example, they won’t go up to check for missing or damaged tiles. They will use binoculars to examine it.

Nor can they predict the future. While an inspector can give you a rough idea of ​​how many more years the roof will last, they cannot tell you exactly when it will need to be replaced.

Finally, the home inspector usually generalize. A basic inspection does not usually include a comprehensive assessment of:

  • Swimming pools
  • Wells
  • Septic systems
  • Structural engineering jobs
  • The ground under a house
  • Chimneys

When it comes to wood burning fireplaces, for example, most inspectors open and close the gates to make sure they are working, check the chimneys for obstructions such as bird nests, and see if they think there is reason for an inspection. more comprehensive security.

It’s your job to check the inspector

You are now ready to contact someone who is a professional at doing all of the above. This is where, once again, your real estate agent backs it up. He or she can refer you to reputable home inspectors.

In addition to getting recommendations, you can also search for professional inspectors on your trade association websites. The tool Find The Home Inspector of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) allows you to search by address, metropolitan area, or neighborhood. You can also search for inspectors by state at Inter NACHI.

You’ll want to interview at least three inspectors before deciding who to hire. During each chat, ask questions like:

Are you licensed or certified? Inspector certifications vary depending on where you live. Not all states require that home inspectors be licensed, and licenses can indicate different degrees of experience. ASHI lists the requirements for each state.

How long have you been in business? Look for someone with at least five years of experience; indicates that more homes were inspected.

How much do you charge? Home inspection costs range from $ 260 to $ 399. Costs vary based on your location and the size of your home.

What exactly does it check? Know what you get for your money.

What doesn’t it check, specifically? Some home inspectors are more thorough than others.

¿In what time, after inspection, I will receive the report? Home inspection contingencies require you to complete the inspection within a certain period of time after the offer is accepted, typically five to seven days, so you have a set schedule. A good home inspector will provide you with the report within 24 hours of the inspection.

Can I see a sample report? This will help you assess how detailed the inspector is and how he explains problems.

Show up for inspection (and bring your agent)

Although his presence, and that of your agent, is not necessary, it is highly recommended. Although you will receive a report summarizing the findings later, being there gives you a chance to ask questions and learn the inner workings of the home.

Reserve two or three hours for the inspection. The inspector will inspect the property from top to bottom. This includes checking the water pressure; leaks in the attic, plumbing, etc.; if the door and window frames are straight (otherwise it could be a sign of a structural problem); if the electrical wiring complies with the code; if smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work; whether the appliances are working properly. Outside, you’ll look at things like siding, fencing, and drainage.

The inspector may also check for termites, asbestos, lead paint, or radon. Because these tests involve more groundwork and may require special certification, they come at an additional cost.

 

Prepare to negotiate

Once you receive the inspector’s report, review it with your agent.

Sellers are legally required to make certain repairs. These may vary by location. Most sales contracts require the seller to arrange:

  • Structural defects
  • Building code violations
  • Security issues

Most home repairs, however, are negotiable. Be prepared to pick your battles – Minor problems like a broken switch plate or a loose kitchen faucet are easy and cheap to fix on your own. You don’t want to start lowering the seller’s price.

If there are major problems with the home, your agent can submit a formal repair request that includes a copy of the inspection report. Repair requests should be as specific as possible. For example: instead of saying “repair broken windows,” an application should say “replace broken window glass in master bathroom.”

If the seller agrees to make all of your repair requests: They must provide you with invoices from a licensed contractor stating that the repairs were made. Then full speed ahead to the sale.

If the seller responds to your repair requests with a counter offer: He or she will indicate which repairs (or closing credits) they are willing to make. The ball is in your court to accept, counter the seller’s counter offer, or void the transaction.

At the end of the day, remember to check in with yourself to see how you feel about all of this. You need to be realistic about the amount of repair work you will do. At this point of sale, there is a lot of pressure from all parties to get closer to closing. But if you don’t feel comfortable, say so.

 

What are the most important things to remember during your home inspection? Trust your inspector, trust your instincts, and lean on your agent; you probably have a lot of experience to support your decision making.