When Should You Get a Home Inspection?
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Should You Get a Home Inspection?
Best time to schedule a home inspection during the buying process
I've been helping people buy homes since 2007 and always tell them to get a home inspection.
Ask anyone who's bought a house before, and they'll tell you the same thing.
Why is the Home Inspection Important
A home inspection comprehensively evaluates a home's condition and functionality.
During a home inspection, a certified inspector examines various aspects of the house to identify potential issues, safety concerns, and necessary repairs.
You'll need this to know how livable the home will be, what repairs or improvements you can expect to do after buying, and how much discount you can negotiate with the sellers if there are serious problems.
What Does Home Inspections Look For
Structural issues
The inspector checks for any visible signs of structural problems, such as foundation issues, cracks in walls or ceilings, sagging floors, or roof problems.
Plumbing system
The inspector examines the plumbing system, including pipes, fixtures, and drains, to identify leaks, water pressure problems, faulty connections, or potential drainage issues.
Electrical system
The inspector looks at the electrical system to ensure it meets safety standards. This process includes checking the wiring, outlets, switches, circuit breakers, and grounding.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems: The inspector assesses the condition of the heating and cooling systems, including the furnace, air conditioning units, ductwork, and ventilation, to determine if they function correctly.
Roof and attic
The inspector examines the roof's condition, looking for signs of leaks, damaged shingles, or other issues. They may also inspect the attic for insulation, ventilation, and any signs of water damage.
Exterior Features
The inspector inspects the exterior elements of the property, such as the siding, windows, doors, gutters, and downspouts, to identify any damage, decay, or improper installation.
Interior Features
For any visible damage or defects, the inspector examines the house's interior, including walls, ceilings, floors, doors, and windows.
Insulation and ventilation
The inspector evaluates the insulation levels in the walls, floors, and attic. They also assess the ventilation systems to ensure proper airflow and prevent moisture-related issues.
Appliances and fixtures
If included in the inspection, the inspector may assess the condition of various appliances like stoves, dishwashers, water heaters, and built-in fixtures like smoke detectors.
Safety concerns
The inspector looks for potential safety hazards, such as faulty wiring, mold, asbestos, radon, carbon monoxide, or any other issues that may pose a risk to occupants.
Advice on Waiving Home Inspection Contingencies in a Competitive Market
Depending on what's going on in the marketplace, you may have to write it off when buying in a competitive market where the competitors are waiving contingencies such as home inspections.
If you're in that situation, consider doing a home inspection anyway but for informational purposes only.
Doing this would allow you to know the home's condition precisely so you can decide whether to proceed with buying or not. Unfortunately, you're not going to be able to negotiate repairs.
If you're in a less competitive marketplace, you should do a home inspection and be able to negotiate the repairs for the home seller to either pay some money towards those repairs or for them to do the repairs.
Ultimately, you want to make sure that you understand precisely what the condition of that home is and the potential challenges or problems.
Simultaneously, you can also do a home warranty, like an insurance policy that can help you further reassure that the home is in good condition. At the very least, if something breaks, you have insurance to pay for it.
If you like these tips and need assistance buying a home, specifically in the DMV area, I've been a licensed real estate agent and broker for over a decade. I've helped hundreds of buyers find the best home, and I can help you find yours. You can reach me at (703) 562-1788 or Dan@greetingsvirginia.com.