You don't need to be a structural engineer, a plumber, a roofer, or a professional air quality evaluator to make sure that you're buying a good, solid house. All you need to do is hire a home inspector - regardless if you are looking at a new-construction home, a historic treasure, or your standard 30-year-old find.
However, there are home inspection missteps to watch out for that could potentially cost you more than you actually have to spend. Here are 7 home inspection tips to save you money according to Trulia:
Not getting multiple recommendations
Aside from taking your real estate agent, your friend, or your neighbor's suggestion of the best person you should get for home inspection, you also have to consider looking at the American Society of Home Inspectors and find out if you are hiring someone who is qualified.
"Interview the inspector and find out about how they work, what their background and training are, whether they are licensed and insured, attend continuing education classes, and have a communication style that you are comfortable with," says Welmoed Sisson, a Maryland home inspector.
Not attending the inspection
A common mistake among buyers is relying solely on the inspector's report instead of being present during the home inspection. A good inspector actually expects the buyer to be around so they can immediately show you what they find and figure if it's a big deal or not. Some inspectors have tendencies to cut corners, which is another reason why you have to be present during the process. "If it's raining, the home inspector may avoid inspecting some exterior areas, such as the deck or crawl spaces," says Massachusetts real estate attorney Rob Pellegrini. In that case, some potential problem could be missed and cause you trouble later on.
Being too intimated to ask questions
You wouldn't know as much about the "guts" of the house unless you are the contractor or you work in the same industry. This is why it is important to be there at the home inspection and most importantly, ask questions when you find the need to. A good inspector will answer all of your questions thoroughly and will explain what he's doing and looking at all along the way," says Rob Williams, a Washington, DC, real estate agent.
If there is something that you missed or need clarification on, don't hesitate to voice out. "Don't let it slide because you're too scared to ask," says Williams.
Not turning on utilities
Unless it's a normal home inspection where the utilities will still be connected by the sellers, always have the utilities on and check how they are working. You might miss out on some important stuff like if the dishwasher drains properly, or if the pipes leak, or if the water flow is sufficient.
Assuming a new-construction home is fine
Don't take the risk of taking the builder's word for it; even a new-construction home has to be inspected since some prove to be not in tip top shape even after "meeting county codes".
Not hiring a specialist if you need to
Like a doctor, a home inspector could also recommend you to a specialist if they find a problem that isn't covered by their scope of practice - and don't ignore this. "Buyers shouldn't be discouraged or afraid of paying a little more money to have secondary specialized inspections done," says Bill Leys of DeckExpert.com. "It may save them a ton of money later on."
Not taking the report seriously
What if the home inspection uncovered some serious problems about the house that you have gone through all the trouble finding? Should you pass on the deal? You have to realize that a home inspection is not just for formality - it is a crucial pre-buying process requiring crucial decisions.
