Home Inspections Are Important

By Morgana Gunt


Many buyers try to skip thorough home inspection, only to end up regretting it later when problems become apparent; however, this is one of the most important steps before purchasing a home. You want to make sure you get a good one when you need a home inspection.

A home inspection is a professional and objective evaluation of the current condition of a house. Typically done as part of the home buying process, home inspections are most often performed at the buyer's request. Occasionally, the buyer's bank protects itself from risky investments by requiring it, but it also protects the purchaser from unforeseen problems. If there are any problems discovered, a seller may be asked to either renegotiate the sale price, or take care of the repairs and remedy the problem.

Sometimes the service is requested by a home seller so that problems with a house may be addressed prior to putting it on the market.

The best home inspector is likely to have acquired considerable knowledge of common home repairs and of their costs. The most valuable thing about a professional home inspection is that it is knowledgeable and unbiased. According to industry accepted standards, a quality home inspection is non-invasive when performed. An inspector will not remove wall surfaces or drill holes.

A typical home inspection will inspect the following areas:

It is possible for the roof to be problematic. They should inspect the general shingle condition, flashings, gutters and downspouts, and the general structure of the roof that can be readily accessed for viewing.

The exterior of the home should be viewed for defects in siding, flashings, brick, or other wall coverings; check the fit of the doors and windows; steps and porches should be looked at for the general condition (ie. rot), their railings too; something that may affect the structure of the house is the surface drainage. Signs of shifting should be looked for too, such as door frames that are not square, or any cracks; signs of water penetration.

Given the value added by the reliability and certainty of a professional quality home inspection, its cost is well worth it and a minor part of the overall cost of a real estate transaction. You just never know what it will cost you to not know.

Hundreds of items will be seen by a home inspector. The inspection report will identify problems with the home. The findings will be described in straightforward language, often with pictures. In person, during a visit to the home with the client, the home inspector may point out the various findings.

The cost of a professional quality home inspection is usually in a range between $250-$500, and varies according to the size and the age of the house. Some inspectors offer special deals at a lower cost but it is important for the prospective client to determine if the special deal follows all industry accepted standards.

As a seller, you can market your house more effectively after an inspection. You may be able to make some minor repairs which will pay off in getting a better price. Unnoticed and potentially costly repairs which will be needed for the house will be brought to a buyer's attention by the inspection. They may be deal breakers. Having the inspector's evaluation can help you get the very best deal if you do decide to buy the house.




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