Getting a home inspection is one of the most important steps for home buyers. This guide covers everything you need to know about home inspections.

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is a detailed examination of the physical condition of a home. A qualified home inspector looks at the structural and mechanical systems of the home to identify any issues.

Home inspectors check the roof, plumbing, electrical, foundation, HVAC, and more. The goal is to uncover defects and maintenance issues before you purchase the home.

How a Home Inspection Works

One of the first steps when buying a house, after agreeing to contract terms, is to contact an inspector and begin the home inspection process. The home inspector examines the property and provides a detailed inspection report.

The inspection takes 2-3 hours on average depending on square footage. The inspector will assess all areas of the home including roof, attic, foundation, crawlspaces, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliances, and more.

Be present during the inspection to see issues first-hand and ask questions. Take notes of any concerns.

After the inspection, you will receive a comprehensive written report. This summarizes any issues found and provides repair recommendations.

Do You Need a Home Inspection?

Absolutely! A home inspection is strongly recommended for all home buyers. An inspection can uncover expensive problems you may otherwise miss.

While not required, paying for an inspection is a smart investment that can save you thousands in the long run by avoiding issues down the road.

Be sure to build the average $300-$500 cost into your home-buying budget. The peace of mind is well worth the expense.

Are Home Inspections Only For Buyers?

Home inspections are not just for buyers. They also provide important benefits for homeowners planning to sell:

Uncover Issues Before Listing

Having an inspection done prior to listing your home allows you to proactively identify problems early. This gives you time to make repairs and improvements before potential buyers inspect the home.

Catching issues upfront prevents headaches down the road that could derail a home sale. It also prevents buyers from using existing issues to negotiate the price down.

Increase Buyer Interest and Offer Price

Making small repairs before listing results in a move-in-ready home. This makes your home more attractive to buyers. It can lead to faster sales and higher offer prices.

Buyers prefer turnkey homes that don’t need work. You can justify a higher asking price if your home is in great condition.

Repair Costs Are Lower

It’s always cheaper to make repairs on your own timeline rather than scramble to fix issues once under contract. You can obtain multiple quotes and find the best deal.

Repairing issues ahead of time also prevents having to make concessions to buyers after inspections. This maintains your negotiating power.

Peace of Mind When Selling

Knowing the true condition of your home upfront gives you confidence when placing it on the market. There won’t be any surprises from buyers’ inspections.

Taking a proactive approach shows you have nothing to hide. This smooths the selling process and makes buyers more comfortable.

How to Choose a Home Inspector

• Verify inspector licenses and certifications for your state.
• Look for experience inspecting similar homes.
• Ask for sample inspection reports to review.
• Check reviews and references from prior clients.
• Consider membership in a professional home inspection association.
• Ask about what testing equipment and methods they use.
• Inquire about additional services like pest inspection, pool inspection, etc.

What Do Home Inspectors Look For?

Exterior Inspection

• Roof condition and age
• Siding, trim, and paint for damage
• Windows, doors, shutters, screens
• Foundation and structure
• Plumbing fixtures, pipes, drainage
• Electrical, outlets, wiring, GFCIs
• Venting, chimney, flashing

Interior Inspection

• Walls, ceilings, and floors for cracks or sagging
• Doors and windows for function
• Electrical, outlets, switches, lighting
• Plumbing fixtures for leaks or pressure
• HVAC and ducts
• Appliance operation and age
• Evidence of pests, termites, rodents

What is Typically Not Covered in a Home Inspection?

While most standard home inspections are very thorough, there are typically add-ons that you can request. Most inspectors, although they may mention it if they see it, may not do special testing for mold, radon, asbestos, lead paint, septic systems, or environmental issues.

Permits and code compliance may also not be covered. Having additional specialized tests done is recommended.

Reviewing the Home Inspection Report

The inspection report is your detailed guide to the home’s condition. Expect a long report – often over 20 pages. Take time to review it carefully.

• Summary – Outlines any major defects, safety concerns, or issues needing repair.
• Systems overview – Provides an overview of the condition of each system like the roof, electrical, HVAC, etc.
• Itemized issues – Lists specific issues discovered, rated by severity. May include photos.
• Recommendations – Notes advisor repairs and timeframes. Safety issues will be emphasized.
• Evaluations – Provides condition ratings (good, fair, poor) for roof, foundation, appliances, etc.
• Limitations – Notes on what areas couldn’t be accessed. Reasons for inconclusive results.

The report equips you to determine what repairs to request and helps guide your home-buying decision. Thoroughly discuss it with your real estate agent as well.

Is a Home Appraisal the Same as an Inspection?

No, an appraisal is different. Appraisals only verify the home’s market value. An inspection evaluates the physical condition and identifies any repairs needed.

However, appraisals for certain government-backed loans (FHA, USDA, VA) require the appraiser to note safety hazards like exposed wiring, mold, or structural issues. But this is not a replacement for a comprehensive inspection – appraisers are not home inspectors.

The Home Inspection Contingency

When buying a home, your purchase offer should include a home inspection contingency clause. Your real estate agent will cover the importance of a home inspection and ensure that you are protected. This allows you to cancel the contract or renegotiate the price if the inspection reveals undisclosed problems.

Don’t waive this important contingency. You have the right to request repairs or walk away from a home with serious undisclosed defects. If you have more questions about how a home inspection contingency works The Jennings Team would be happy to help answer any questions that have.

Home Inspections: Worth the Investment?

Absolutely! Paying $300-$500 for an inspection is well worth it when buying a home. Identifying issues before purchase saves thousands in repair costs down the road.

The inspection also provides in-depth information on the condition of the home’s major systems – giving you peace of mind. Don’t skip this critical step.

The Bottom Line

A professional home inspection is an essential part of the home-buying process for all buyers. A thorough inspection by a qualified home inspector can potentially save you thousands by uncovering issues with the home early on.

Some key takeaways:

• Home inspections typically cost $300-$500 depending on home size and location. The investment pays for itself by avoiding expensive repairs later.
• Inspections take 2-3 hours and cover all areas including roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and appliances. A pest inspection is also recommended.
• Review the detailed inspection report carefully and discuss the
  

  Q: What is a home inspection?

  A: A home inspection is an examination of the condition of a property, typically performed before the purchase of a home. It is conducted by a professional home inspector to identify any potential problems with the property.

  Q: Why is a home inspection important?

  A: Home inspections are an important part of the home buying process. They provide buyers with a detailed understanding of the condition of the property they are interested in purchasing. This information helps buyers make informed decisions and can potentially save them from costly repairs or unexpected issues in the future.

  Q: How much does a home inspection cost?

  A: The cost of a home inspection can vary depending on several factors. These factors include the size of the home, the location, and the complexity of the inspection. On average, a home inspection can cost anywhere from $300 to $500.

  Q: How do I find a home inspector?

  A: To find a home inspector, you can ask your real estate agent for recommendations or search online for certified home inspectors. You can also check with professional organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the Association of Certified Home Inspectors (ACHI) for a list of qualified inspectors in your area.

  Q: What does a home inspection cover?

  A: A home inspection covers a wide range of components in a home, including structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing systems, heating and cooling systems, roof, and more. The purpose is to identify any potential problems or issues that could affect the safety or value of the property.

  Q: Can a home inspection fail?

  A: A home inspection cannot technically “fail.” However, the inspection report may identify significant issues or problems with the property that may affect the buyer’s decision to proceed with the purchase. It is up to the buyer to review the inspection report and decide if they are willing to proceed with the purchase considering the identified issues.

  Q: When should I get a home inspection?

  A: It is recommended to get a home inspection before finalizing the purchase of a home. This allows the buyer to have a complete understanding of the condition of the property before making a final decision. It is important to schedule the home inspection as early as possible in the buying process to allow time for further evaluation or negotiation if needed.

  Q: What should I ask the seller regarding the home inspection?

  A: When it comes to the home inspection, you can ask the seller if any repairs have been made recently and if there are any known issues with the property. It is also a good idea to ask for any documentation or warranties for any recent repairs or improvements that have been done on the property.

  Q: What are some potential problems that can be found during a home inspection?

  A: Some potential problems that can be found during a home inspection include structural issues, plumbing leaks, electrical problems, HVAC system malfunctions, roof damage, pest infestations, and more. A thorough home inspection will cover all major components of the property to identify any issues.

  Q: Do I need to attend the home inspection?

  A: While it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for homebuyers to attend the home inspection. Attending the inspection allows buyers to ask questions, clarify any concerns, and gain a firsthand understanding of the condition of the property. It provides an opportunity for buyers to learn more about the home they are purchasing.