Home Inspections
AnnieMac Education Center
There are a few steps you need to take before officially purchasing a home, one of which includes the home inspection. Hiring an inspector helps make sure that the structure is sound and that there are no defects with the home.
An inspector helps buyers identify any serious issues and most lenders will require a home inspection before they approve a loan. Hiring an inspector is a smart homebuying tip and should be done once you have found a home you are interested in purchasing.
How is a Home Inspection Supposed to Work?
Every home should be inspected before purchase.
If you do not complete a home inspection, you are then solely relying on the seller to be honest about everything that is wrong with the house. This is a risky move and is not recommended.
You need to hire the inspector.
Many homebuyers think that it is the responsibility of the real estate agent to hire the inspector. This is not necessarily true. As a buyer, you will want to choose the inspector to ensure that they are working for you and not the real estate agent.
This may mean that you will need to pay for the inspection out of pocket. You can find a list of home inspectors at two organizations that certify and train inspectors: The National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
After finding an inspector, you will sign an agreement that outlines the work that will be done.
You will receive a report about the home’s condition once the inspector has completed his job. The inspector will only give it to the seller or real estate agent with your permission. A thorough inspection should take at least 2 hours to complete.
A good inspector will:
- Walk on the roof
- Go into the crawl spaces and attic
- Remove furniture and electrical covers to see what is inside
- Check all electrical outlets and switches
- Open and close all windows and doors
- Examine the insides of closets and the undersides of stairs
- Check walls, ceilings, and floors for defects
- Check water pressure and drain function in plumbing fixtures
- Flush toilets and make sure they work
- Check exterior of the home for signs of weather damage, decay, settling
- Know the soil and flooding problems in the area where you are buying
Your home inspector will go over the report with you and explain any problems they have found. Your inspector will point out any areas that may need maintenance in the future as well. After you are told the issues, you can ask the seller to correct the defects or ask for money to make repairs yourself.
In Conclusion
Home inspections are an important step in the home buying process. Inspections are there to help you and make sure you are making the best home buying decision. Talk to your real estate professional to learn more about home inspections and to get the process started.