A home inspection is a necessity. Whether buying or selling a house, a home inspection is an integral part of the process. For home renovations, for example, a home inspection is necessary to get the permits needed in most states. A home inspection typically ranges from $277 to $388 (or even more), depending on the property area. A home inspection can be pricey, so you have to ensure you’ll get the most out of it. Here are some tips:
Find the Right Home Inspector
There are a lot of home inspectors out there; however, one can be better than the others. And the crucial part is the quality of the home inspection lies in the home inspector you will be choosing for the job. One of the ways to find the right home inspector company is through reviews and recommendations. You can check through the review sites and the review on the home inspector company’s page to see if the previous clients are satisfied with the service of the home inspection company.Remember that a great inspector would want you to see the house for yourself. However, some are distracted when the clients join them during the inspection. Therefore, in choosing a home inspector, you have to make sure that you choose someone who wants you to be present during the home inspection.Aside from that, in choosing a home inspector, you have to see the quality of their inspection report. Do not hesitate to ask for their sample reports to see if they can make comprehensive reports for you in the future.Most importantly, you have to ensure that they are licensed and trained to do the job. So do not hesitate to ask for their credentials, such as training certifications.
Ask Questions
During the home inspection, you have to be there as much as possible. Whether you are a seller or a buyer, knowing the house’s condition will help you during the negotiation process. Seeing the house first-hand will help you in making wise decisions. So before coming to the scheduled home inspection, be sure to have these questions in mind:
What kind of problems raise red flags?
When buying a foreclosure home, what risks do I need to consider?
Do older homes tend to come with more issues?
What issues do I have to watch out for in newer homes?
What are some things to watch out for when it comes to HVAC?
Have a Home Inspection Checklist
Homebuyers need to come prepared during the actual inspection. To make sure that all areas are covered, it is recommended that you prepare a home inspection checklist. Unfortunately, some home inspectors are only basically concerned about the physical aspect of the home.Items that might or can be left out are:
Sewer line
Drainage
Odors
Landscaping
Carpet covered floors
Snow-covered roof or hardscape
Rats and rodents infestation
Pests or termites that destroy wood
Sprinklers
Pool equipment
Chimneys or fireplace
What Should a Home Seller Do?
As a home seller, you have to ensure that the home inspection will go as smoothly as possible. Here are things that you can do to make home inspections easier:
Remove the clutter to allow the inspectors to view the house better.
Provide attic access. Set up a ladder to the attic and remove any obstacle to the attic entrance.
Unlock all the doors before the inspection.
Finally, disclose your home’s known flaws.
Finally, prepare any maintenance documentations for the home inspectors to see.
Key Takeaway
These home inspection tips will help you know what you should know about home inspection, and you will know what to do when a home inspector comes to your home for a home inspection.
