Similar to visiting the mechanic or the doctor, having a home inspection can be a bit nerve-wracking. Even an inspection that reports a pretty clean house might sting a bit when your house in under a magnifying glass. We have some news for you.
No home is perfect.
However, there are a few steps that you can take beforehand to prepare yourself for a home inspection, especially if you want to increase your chances of a good rating.
It is important to keep in mind that home inspections aren’t “pass or fail” tests, though depending on how it goes, a home inspection can reopen renegotiation doors. A buyer can walk away if they don’t feel satisfied, though you are never obligated to fix something if you don’t want to.
What Is A Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a piece of the home sale process in which a buyer hires a professional home inspector to come to the home and perform visual observations. The home inspector will identify any safety or health concerns, as well as mechanical problems, all in accordance with the standards of the state.
“We look for things that are significantly deficient, unsafe, near the end of the service life, or not functioning properly,” says President of the American Society of Home Inspectors, Tim Buell.
How Does a Home Inspection Work?
Typically, home inspections take anywhere from 2-3 hours for a typical house. However, the report can typically take up to four days for completion. A home inspector will go over both the interior and exterior of the home, recording any defects or hazards that the buyer should be wary of.
Tim Buell notes that the main thing home inspectors focus on are safety hazards.
Do You Need To Be Present During The Home Inspection?
Just about anyone is welcome to stick around during the home inspection process, though whoever scheduled the home inspection should definitely be preset during the process.
Many home inspectors provide buyers with answers to important questions during the home inspection. Hearing things firsthand can be crucial.
What Does a Home Inspector Look For?
A great home inspector will have a thorough list of things to check off when looking at a property. Andy Peters, a prominent Atlanta real estate agent, says, “A home inspector’s job is to find defects, and defects they will find.”
When it comes to defects, there are seven main categories that a home inspector will look for, including structural issues, water damage, roof damage, insect or pest infestation, electrical system damage, HVAC system issues, and plumbing issues.
What Won’t a Home Inspector Look For?
Home inspectors don’t concern themselves with the cosmetics of a home, unless a cosmetic issue is a potential safety hazard. They will report a large water stain or crack on the wall, though if the only problem is that the wallpaper is falling off, you won’t find that on the notes.
Getting more information of how your home inspection will work requires speaking with a knowledgeable real estate agent. They can also provide you with the best advice regarding the condition of your home and the conditions of the current real estate market.
