What to Expect From the Home Inspection Process As a Buyer
If you’d like to make the most informed decision when it comes to a home, don’t miss out on the home inspection process. A home inspector can identify potential issues with a home and offers a better idea of ongoing maintenance costs for said property.
With a home inspector’s help, you could be saving yourself a whole lot of trouble and thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs. This blog is your quick startup guide to the home inspection process as a buyer.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a third-party assessment of the physical structure and mechanical systems of a property. The inspection is done by someone with a trained eye and is usually the buyer’s last chance to discover problems with the house before purchasing.
Areas that a home inspector will close attention to include:
- Foundation
- Roof
- Plumbing
- HVAC system
- Electrical system
How Much Will a Home Inspection Cost?
It is the sole responsibility of the home buyer to hire a home inspector. Home inspections will vary by geography, with the average price tag being $339. However, you should prepare to spend anywhere between $279 to $450 for a home inspection.
What Happens During a Home Inspection?
A home inspection will take approximately two or two and a half hours. The buyer is not required to be present during the home inspection, but you should still go. Being there gives you the opportunity to learn more about the home, and to ask questions about the home.
During a home inspection, the inspector will take notes, take pictures, and make comments – if you are present – about what they see. However, note that a home inspector can only evaluate what is seen. They can’t make comments about hidden problems like hidden pests and mold, or areas that aren’t readily accessible like the septic tank.
To evaluate for hidden or inaccessible problems, specialized evaluations are required.
What If My Seller Already Has a Home Inspection Report?
In the case that your seller already has a home inspection report or claim on hand, it’s important to still arrange your own inspection.
This might seem like a waste of time and money, but here’s the thing: home inspectors aren’t federally regulated. In fact, home inspectors aren’t even licensed in some states. You should vet the hiring inspector yourself to make sure they are qualified.
Pro tip: To find a qualified home inspector near you, take a look at professional databases offered by organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.