A home inspection enables you to make a more informed choice regarding the house you’re thinking about purchasing. A home inspector can spot any problems and give you a clearer picture of the property’s expected continuing maintenance needs. A thorough home inspection can prevent you from buying a money pit or hundreds of dollars in unanticipated repairs when you’re buying a home. So, here are some of what to expect from a home inspection.
The goal of a home inspection is to uncover issues with the home itself. Inspectors won’t tell you if you’re getting a good deal on the home or offer an opinion on the sale price. The inspector will check that major appliances are functional and examine the plumbing and electrical systems.
When is the house inspection performed?
After the seller accepts your offer but before you actually buy the house, the house is inspected. You should schedule a home inspection as soon as you are under contract in order to give yourself ample time for additional examinations or to negotiate with the seller.
When purchasing a home, you should give yourself at least seven to ten days to handle the inspection.
Hiring a Home Inspector
It is your responsibility as the buyer to engage in the house inspection. You should schedule your own inspection so you can verify the
inspector yourself, even if the seller offers to share their home inspection report or says the house has already been inspected. Home inspectors aren’t subject to federal regulation, and some states don’t even require them to be licensed.
Consult with friends and coworkers for recommendations
Look up information in the databases of specialized organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Members of these organizations typically need to pass an exam, adhere to an ethics code, and complete ongoing education. To see if the house inspector has a history of complaints, check with your neighborhood BBB.
It’s recommended to ask prospective home inspectors about their background, education, and areas of specialization. For instance, you’ll want an inspector who is knowledgeable about historic properties if you’re considering a fixer-upper or looking at an older house.
In particular, homeowners who have lived in their properties for at least six months, ask for recommendations from previous customers. This will enable you to see if any problems surfaced that weren’t mentioned in their inspections.
Additionally, you can request samples of previous reports and remark if they were in-depth analyses or just checked-off checklists. In this manner, you will be aware of whether you are paying for a brief report or extensive information.
AWP Home Inspections provides inspection services to buyers and sellers in West Central and Central Indiana. Contact us to schedule an appointment.