When it comes to making one of the most important decisions of your life - buying a home, a home inspection should be at the top of your list. A home inspection is a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the home, from the roof to the foundation, to identify any significant issues that could impact its value. A qualified home inspector will be able to detect problems that you may not notice as a buyer, such as wiring issues, plumbing problems, or structural damage. These issues can be costly to repair, so it’s important to know about them ahead of time.
While a home inspection is not required by law, a home seller disclosing anything that can materially affect the value of a property is, and hiring professionals can sometimes help uncover potential issues a seller may have forgotten or failed to disclose. In addition to uncovering any potential issues, a home inspection can also give you an opportunity to better understand the property. The inspector will provide you with important information such as the age of the home, its condition, the type of systems and materials used, and more. This will help you make an informed decision about whether this is the right home for you.
A home inspection is also a great way to ensure that you are getting the most out of the home. The inspector will be able to identify any areas where the home may be lacking in terms of maintenance, such as leaking faucets or outdated appliances. As a result, you’ll be able to make any necessary repairs or upgrades prior to closing on the home. At the end of the day, a home inspection is an invaluable tool when it comes to buying a home. It can help you protect your investment, get a better understanding of the home, and make sure you’re getting the most out of your purchase. It’s an important step that should never be overlooked and cannot stress enough to never waive the inspection period unless you’re a seasoned investor or in the construction business. This is the crucial time when you get to hire your own professionals to advise you on the property’s condition.
A general home inspector will inspect what is readily observable and provide recommendations for further evaluation. This could include electricians, plumbers, roofers, and structural professionals. If the home was built prior to 1975 and still has the original cast iron plumbing, make sure you hire a plumber with a high-resolution camera to inspect the entire plumbing system from the roof to the street. It will add a few hundred dollars to your inspection costs but will be well worth it no matter what the findings are. Other inspections include (where applicable): WDO (Wood Destroying Organisms), pool, seawall, septic/drain field, and well water testing. Please note the type of financing will dictate which inspections MUST be performed and all types of financing will require the house to be in an insurable condition as noted by the 4-point and wind mitigation insurance reports.