If you have never purchased a house, you might have some questions about the process. Many buyers aren’t certain whether an inspection is necessary. During the inspection, a professional will assess the condition of a property and write a detailed report outlining their findings. Here are a few questions you might have before you order a home inspection.
Why Do I Need to Order a Home Inspection?
For the homebuyer, an inspection offers many benefits. Most importantly, the home inspection identifies problems, defects, and safety concerns in the property that you are planning to purchase. You can move through the sale process with an understanding of the actual condition of the home.
Another benefit of ordering an inspection is that it gives you an advantage during negotiations for the house. If major problems are found, talk to your real estate agent about requesting repairs or asking the seller to lower the price.
Should I Order an Inspection on a Newly Built Home?
Even a newly constructed home might have issues. The builder is responsible for overseeing multiple contractors during construction. There are roofers, a crew to install the drywall, and plumbers and electricians will be involved.
It’s tough for your builder to supervise every aspect of the build. Mistakes might be made and defective materials might be used. Your home inspector will find any problems and the builder can make corrections before you move in.
How Long Will the Inspection Take?
The home inspection will take an average of 2 to 3 hours. However, this can vary greatly depending on the size of the property and the age of the home. Don’t rush your home inspector. They need time to do a thorough and accurate assessment of the house.
Will an Inspection Save Money?
While there is no guarantee that a home inspection will save you money, it will provide information about defects and safety concerns in your home. In case of major problems, you may be able to renegotiate with the seller. Having the seller address major repairs before closing reduces the amount of money you have to spend to fix the home.
What is Included in the Inspection of the Home?
A professional inspector is well trained and experienced in assessing the visible and accessible components of a property including the HVAC system, the roofing, the plumbing, and the electrical system.
Talk to your home inspector about the types of services they offer. Some inspectors also perform radon testing, water quality checks, and wood-destroying insect inspections. When scheduling your inspection, decide what services you’re interested in so your inspector knows exactly what to look for.
A home inspection is important to thoroughly understand the condition of the property you’re buying. Hire a professional who has the knowledge and experience to do a complete and reliable home inspection.
Jamie Schaefer Professional Home Inspector offers services – including wind mitigation, 4-point, and swimming pool inspections – in the Southeast Florida area. We follow the InterNACHI Standards of Practice to ensure a thorough assessment of the property.
If you’re buying a home in Broward, Miami-Dade, St. Lucie, and the surrounding areas, contact us to schedule an inspection.