Why You Should Always Get a Home Inspection
April is National Home Inspection Month, marking the start of the busy season in the real estate market. It’s also a special month for us as we celebrate our 14th anniversary! As more buyers enter the market and home listings increase, home inspectors prepare for inspections. During the pandemic, some homebuyers waived their inspection contingencies to secure a home, which led to doubts and regrets after moving in. National Home Inspection Month emphasizes the importance of inspections for protection and the benefits of successful homeownership, especially in today’s challenging market.
Home inspections are critical for protecting buyers who may be making the largest purchase of their lifetime. Skipping a home inspection is risky since cosmetic features can be easily renovated, but underlying structural defects can be costly. With expertise, buyers can easily avoid vital issues that can cost thousands of dollars for the new homeowner.
A home inspection provides an opportunity for a professional inspector to assess the property’s condition and identify any issues or defects before finalizing the sale. During the inspection, the home inspector methodically moves through the home, testing, measuring, and assessing the various systems’ conditions and components. Then, the inspector provides a detailed report on the home’s condition, highlighting any defects they find, both minor and significant. Although every home will have some defects found during the inspection, many minor defects won’t impact the transaction, such as normal wear and tear.
However, major defects can be costly and require invasive repairs that may impact the safety of the residents. Examples of significant defects include:
- A roof that needs replacing.
- Severe foundation cracking.
- Old wiring in the electrical system.
If the inspector comes across any major defects, they will alert the homebuyer to their severity. With this information, the homebuyer can work with their real estate agent to plan their next move, whether it’s renegotiating the sale price or walking away from the deal. Being aware of significant defects early in the process is crucial to plan the next steps accordingly. Skipping a home inspection only to uncover a major defect after the home is purchased will provide few options, and it will be the new homeowner’s responsibility to handle.
In summary, a home inspection is a critical step in the home-buying process, providing homebuyers with crucial information about the property’s condition to make an informed decision. While it may be tempting to skip the inspection to save money, the cost of a home inspection is a small price to pay to avoid costly repairs and ensure the safety of the residents and the property. Home inspection reports are like owner’s manuals for your house. They provide information about the expected working lifespans of the different structures, systems, and appliances, and the inspector could recommend repair or replacement if anything is on its last leg. Proper maintenance can extend the lifespan of the different systems and structures, and a home inspector can often identify if previous owners have completed such care. Defects and issues are not the only matters identified during a home inspection, and taking note of the condition of the different systems and components can help ensure the longevity and safety of the home. A great home inspector will take a holistic approach to inspecting the property so that a buyer can understand how one component affects another.
