A home inspection is a comprehensive, visual evaluation of the structural integrity and major systems of a single-family house, condo, or co-op prior to purchase. During the inspection, a qualified inspector will assess the condition of the home’s heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems, as well as the electrical and plumbing systems and the roof structure. For more information, visit our link.
A thorough home inspection may uncover a variety of problems that could be minor or severe. Depending on the extent of the issues, a buyer can request that the seller repair the home before closing, withdraw their offer altogether or ask for a lower price in lieu of repairs.
Typically, a home inspection takes at least two hours. A home inspector will walk around the entire property, looking in every room, up on the roof, checking each electric outlet and testing the plumbing. It is important to be present during the inspection so that you can see for yourself what issues the inspector finds and ask questions. Seeing these problems firsthand will also help you to better understand the home inspection report when it is sent to you, which is an essential part of your decision-making process.
The inspection will also reveal the age of various components, giving you a good idea of what type of maintenance and upkeep to expect in the future. The inspector will provide a general estimate of the remaining life of components like roofing shingles, furnace and AC unit, and the water heater. These estimates can be helpful when negotiating with the seller about repair costs.
An inspection is especially important in new construction homes, which can have a number of problems that aren’t apparent until the home is lived in and occupied. The inspection can identify and correct errors before they become serious, saving both time and money for the homeowner. In some cases, an inspector can recommend changes to the construction process to prevent future problems.
Before hiring a home inspector, look at their credentials and any reviews from previous clients, as well as receive several pricing quotes. It’s also a good idea to accompany the inspector during his or her rounds. That way, you can learn more about how a system works and what it sounds like when it’s functioning properly — information that will come in handy not only during the home inspection but well into the future as you live in your home. For example, an inspector can introduce you to electrical panels, show you how to operate air-conditioning and ventilation switches, or how to shut off the water in case of a leak (something that homeowners sometimes forget or don’t know how to do).