Don’t get so caught up in the excitement of purchasing a new house that you neglect to have it inspected. All homebuyers need a home inspection in order to make an informed decision. Let’s discuss why you shouldn’t skip this important step of the homebuying process.
Homebuyers Need a Home Inspection to Make a Smart Purchase
To most homebuyers, issues in a home are not apparent on the surface. It takes a trained professional to accurately evaluate its condition. Even new homes can have problems, like:
- Plumbing issues
- Structural defects
- Dangerous electrical wiring
Save Money in the Long Run
Don’t focus on the money that is spent on a home inspection. Instead, think about the potentially tens of thousands of dollars you might have to spend fixing a roof, rewiring the whole home, or dealing with foundation issues. Homebuyers need a home inspection because it may find problems that would cost you a lot of money to fix as the owner.
Homebuyers Need a Home Inspection to Negotiate with the Seller
If the inspection reveals significant issues, you have an opportunity to negotiate with the seller. Common asks are for the seller to repair the problem or lower the price to account for future repairs. You can back out of the deal entirely if you cannot come to an agreement with the seller.
What Will Your Inspector Look For?
A home inspection includes an evaluation of the exterior and interior areas of the property. During the inspection, your inspector looks at these exterior areas:
- Foundation: Are there cracks or anything else that might be concerning?
- Exterior walls: Are there cracks? Missing siding? Does close contact with soil invite a future pest problem?
- Grading: Does the grading slope away from the home correctly?
- Garage: Does the garage door work properly?
- Roof: Has the roof been installed poorly? Does it allow water into the home? Are there missing or cracked shingles?
Here are some of the things your inspector will look at when they go inside the home:
- Plumbing: Are there any visible leaks? Are there any problems with showers or faucets? Are any pipes visible? Where is the main water shutoff valve?
- Electrical system: What kind of wiring is in the home? Do all outlets work? Are there functional ground fault circuit interrupters? Is the electrical panel safe?
- HVAC: Are the furnace and air conditioner in good shape?
- Water heater: What is the approximate age and the condition of the valves and pipe connections?
Now you can see why it is not a good idea to skip the home inspection when buying a house. Find a qualified inspector in your area to perform yours.
Inspect Co. provides home inspection services for homebuyers to the Carolinas. Contact us to schedule an inspection.