Save your hard-earned money by looking for a home that doesn't have major house issues such as structural damage, health risks, security concerns, and flaws. You can protect yourself from the risks associated with purchasing a property by becoming knowledge about the home inspection process.
This article highlights the details about home inspections, their price ranges, and the negotiating leverage that's created once the inspection is complete.
A Home Inspection Explained
An impartial visual study of a house's structure and systems that happens after an offer has been accepted but the deal is closed is known as a home inspection, often known as a buyer's inspection. The house is usually inspected by a professional home inspector hired by the prospective buyer to classify mechanical, structural, safety, and health issues.
The buyer may renegotiate their original offer after a thorough home inspection or request fixes for faults uncovered during the inspection. When buying a new construction home, an inspection is suggested to assure an accurate, sound, and safe built structure.
Home inspections do not examine cosmetic flaws because they are comprehensive. A skilled inspector will search for items that appear to be severely worn out, not performing properly, nearing the end of their useful lives, or are potentially dangerous.
Tip: Seller inspection is different from buyer inspection because it is done before the house is put on the market. The seller can address or exchange any potential faults that may cause the closing process delayed through this inspection.
The Cost of a Home Inspection
The price of a home inspection comes in between $200 to $500, according to Home Advisor. Following is a list of reasonable home inspection costs:
- The charges of home inspections for homes between 1000 and 2000 sqft is $315 approximately.
- The cost of homes over 2000 sqft will automatically increase to a minimum of $400, and often exceed that.
- The charges of home inspections are as low as $200 for condos or homes that are 1000 sqft.
- The price of mobile inspections is around $250 per single wide.
How much time is required for Home Inspection, and who covers its costs?
The main purpose of a home inspection is only to secure the property of the purchaser. The home inspections cost is mostly paid by the home buyer.
The home inspection process will take almost 2 to 4 hours, based on the house size. You should accompany the inspector while he is doing the home inspection. It will allow you to ask knowledgeable questions and a better understanding of the home's condition.
What is covered in Home Inspection?
Understand what is offered and included in the home inspection before employing a home inspector because the expertise and areas of inspection may vary based on your inspector.
These are some of the main things covered in a home inspection that help prevent costly repairs and future problems:
- Appliances
- Attic
- Basement
- Crawlspace
- Doors and Windows
- Electrical System
- Fireplace
- Flooring
- Foundation
- HVAC System
- Interior and Exterior
- Mold and Mildew
- Plumbing
- Pool (In-ground)
- Roofing System
The inspector will generate a detailed report that includes photographs of the concerned areas and components after the inspection is complete. However, your inspector may recommend or refer an expert for further evaluation if he notices an issue in a particular area.
Electrical System
Electrical risks are one of the leading causes of house fires, according to the NFPA. Among these dangers are:
- Aluminum wiring
- Damaged outlets
- Inverted polarity
- Poor breaker connections
- Wiring (on frayed, cracked, bare, or sharp edges)
HVAC System
The reasons for compromise air quality and efficiency and malfunctions include Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning issues.
The report of home inspection by the home inspector will include:
- Cracked or loose ductwork
- Deterioration or Rust of the system and its parts
- Dirty or old air filters
- Faulty or outdated thermostat
- Flue and Chimney malfunctions
- Gas burning and connection
Infestation of Pest and Insect
Pest and insect infection substantially impact the buyer's interest and a home's inclusive value.
These are a few troublesome pests and insects:
- Creepy-crawlies
- Carpenter Ants
- Rodents
- Termites
Plumbing System
The primary cause of the expensive damages and repairs is faulty plumbing. While causing structural damages and affecting the water bill, numerous plumbing issues remain hidden.
Some of these problems are:
- Blocked sewer line
- Broken toilets
- Buildup of residue
- Burst or ruptured pipes
- Deteriorated or rusted connections
- Unrevealed leaks
- Water pressure is high
Roofing System
The leaks in the ceiling and the structural damage can be because of a deteriorating system. Some of the damages are:
- Apparent on the ceiling or moisture in the roof space
- Missing or broken shingles
- Peeling, rusted, or cracked flashing
- Substrate damage
Roofers made these common mistakes that resulted in leaking and other issues for property owners. Many of these will be known to a competent home inspector, who will be on the watch for them on your behalf.
Structural Integrity
In one way or another, many structural integrity issues can be outlined back to the water damaged.
Here are the signs of a compromised structure:
- Broken door frames and cracks in the walls
- Cracks in stonework or bricks
- Deteriorating, cracked, and leaning masonry on the chimney
- Patchy floors
- The inclination of stairs, patio, and porch
These issues can seriously affect the sale of a home because they are labor-incentive and expensive problems. Mostly, they are the cause of the buyer hesitation and renegotiation of the home's cost.
Water Damage
Water damage can cause issues with structural integrity, mold, and the inhabitant's health if not properly handled on time.
Indications of the water damage are:
- A moldy or musty odor
- Ceiling is slumped
- Cracks between floors and walls
- Decomposing or curling hardwood flooring
- Deteriorating or soft sheetrock
- Water stain on the walls and the ceiling
Home inspection
Now, you understand the importance of a home inspection and how it can be used as a bargaining tool during the home buying or selling process.
Expect to gain a valuable understanding of the potential issues and how to resolve them by having a home inspection done before finalizing the deal on a home purchase.
If you want to save yourself from unwanted damages, problems, buying the wrong property, or expensive repairs, then having a comprehensive home inspection is mandatory.
