10 Things You Should Know About Home Inspections

Exciting!!! So your offer was accepted and you’re on the road to becoming a homeowner! After you've completed your celebratory dance, and sent in your mortgage documents, you're ready for the next step of the home buying process: the home inspection. 

If you've never been through the process it may seem like a daunting task, but that’s why we're here.

House to Home Inspections has compiled a list of 10 Things Buyers Should Know About Home Inspections. Give it a read before your inspection and hopefully this will alleviate some of your jitters and give you the ability to go into your purchase feeling a bit more educated and informed.

 
 

1. Home Inspections are Optional

A home inspection is not a required step in the home buying process.

However, they are a great idea.  A home inspection will provide you with information on any potential problems present in the home you have fallen in love with.  A home inspection will tell you the state of the home you or looking to purchase, good and bad and our home inspection report will give you an idea of any immediate, or upcoming, fixes and expenditures you should be aware of.  You may even be able to negotiate some or all of the repair costs with the seller.  After a home inspection you will have the piece of mind to know whether or not your dream-home is right for you.

2. SELLERS are NOT Responsible for Inspections

Sellers are not required to provide buyers with a home inspection report. Realtors are not responsible for providing buyers with a home inspection report. So, as the buyer of a potential property, you should consider a home inspection before finalizing your purchase. 

3. The Inspector Must Be Certified and insured

A certified home inspector is knowledgeable about the relevant aspects of a dwelling.  They have extensive training to identify and understand existing and future problems.  A carpenter, electrician or plumber will have excellent knowledge of their trade, but may lack a full understanding of the other integral aspects of the dwelling. House to Home Inspections is fully Licensed, Insured & Bonded. 

4. What Do Home Inspections Cover?

Generally, a home inspection report will cover the condition of the home’s:

  • Foundation, Basement and any additional Structural Components
  • Heating and Cooling systems
  • Interior Plumbing & Electrical
  • Roof System, Eaves, Gutters and Downspouts
  • Condition of Windows, Doors, Floors, Walls and Ceilings
  • Attic, Crawlspace and Visible Insulation
  • Exterior Cladding
  • Garages and Carports
  • Exterior Grading

See what a House to Home Inspection Report includes. 

5. What Doesn’t An Inspection Cover?

  • Inside the walls (although an infared camera will assist with this). 
  • Septic tanks
  • Wells, sheds, or additional structures separate from the main house not including the garage

Note: Just because something isn’t covered in a home inspection, it can still be inspected. You can have other professionals check into aspects that are of concern that were not included in the inspection.

6. You Can Attend Inspections

Not only can you attend, but it is recommended that you do.  It gives you the opportunity to have any specific concerns addressed.  Any issues that arise during the inspection can be discussed in person and instructions can be provided on how to remedy the situation. You can also learn valuable maintenance and care instructions to take care of your home for years to come. 

7. Every Inspection Includes and Inspection Report

Viewing the property is only half of the inspectors job.  The other half is to provide you with an in-depth inspection report.  The report should include pictures of the inside and outside of the home, and a write-up of ever item inspected. 

NOTE: Read the report thoroughly.  If you have any questions or would like clarification on what's covered in the report, don't hesitate to call the inspector to review.

8. Repairs After Inspections Are sometimes Negotiable

After a completed inspection there are three possible outcomes for any issues found.
1.  The seller may repair the issues themselves.
2.  The seller may credit you money for the repair.
3.  You may complete the repairs once you take possession.

NOTE: Be careful when trying to re-negotiate.  An amendment to the purchase and sale price is basically a new offer and can be rejected by the seller, so you could lose the home over the cost to repair.

NOTE:  An exception to this is a home is sold in “As Is” condition. That means the seller is unwilling or unable to make repairs.  When buying a home that's "As Is" an inspection report is important because it lets you know what repairs you will be responsible for and allows you to budget for them.

9. You Can Walk Away After Inspections

When a home inspection is one of the conditions to purchase the home you are allowed to walk away from the deal if what is discovered makes you no longer want to purchase the house.

10. Collect Paperwork for Completed Repairs

After the inspection and negotiations (if needed), it is possible you and the seller have agreed upon a list of repairs to be completed.  It is important that these repairs are completed by professional trades. 

Note: Don't be afraid to ask for copies of all receipts and invoices for proof.  You may also need them if any warranty work is required.

Are you ready to book your home inspection?