Understanding Home Inspections
Buying a new home is an exciting experience, but it can also be a nerve-racking ordeal, and the actual process can be more than a little daunting. Part of the reason for this uncertainty is because there are a lot of unknowns that go along with purchasing a new home. Thankfully, a good home inspection can clear up some of the muddy waters and help you become an informed home buyer.
What is a Home Inspection?
Just like your annual check-up at the doctor, a home inspection is a visual examination to make sure everything is working properly and will help point out any potential problems. The home inspector has a list of items to inspect and will create a report of all of the visible problems, potential risks and repairs, and they’ll give their overall professional opinion on the state of the house.
A good home inspector will look for seven major items: water damage, structural issues, old or damaged roof, damaged electrical system, plumbing problems, insect and pest infestation, and issues with the HVAC system. The time it takes for the inspector to look in all of these areas depends on the size of the home. Usually, the inspection will take between two and three hours. It’s also always a good idea for you to be present for the inspection to learn more information about your potential home. A home inspection is simply a way to make your decision easier when buying a home.
Why Get a Home Inspection?
A good home inspection, conducted by a well-vetted home inspector, can bring you a great deal of peace. Both new and old homes can have hidden issues that can cause you and your family a major headache and not to mention thousands of unexpected dollars. Knowing what you are getting into prior to purchasing your home can give you a leg up during negotiations and let you prepare for any repairs the current homeowner does not fix as part of renegotiations.
Another area many homeowners often do not think about when it comes to real estate inspections is safety. Poor wiring and issues with structural integrity are only two items on a long list of potential safety hazards that a good home inspector can catch before they turn into a tragedy. Not-so-immediate safety threats, such as festering mold or leaky pipes that eventually could lead to mold and mildew, also exist.
Home inspections can help you negotiate on the purchase price, as any problems that are uncovered will provide you leverage. If the seller refuses to fix the issues, you can counter by having them lower the price of the home. Just make sure the new, adjusted price is in line with the future cost and hassles of the needed repairs.
Finally, you may find yourself questioning whether or not your new prospective house is right for you and your family or whether you should stay put for a while and just renovate your current home so it suits your needs. Whatever the case, a home inspection report will help you make one of the most important decisions in your life – good, bad, or indifferent.
TIP: Never Skip An Inspection
Whether you are buying the home or selling the home, you should never skip the inspection because it could lead to serious and expensive consequences down the road. For buyers, purchasing a home is a huge investment and you should be aware of exactly what you are buying. As most of us know, you can’t judge a book by its cover, meaning the most perfect looking house may actually have many hidden problems and risks that can be a safety hazard to you and your family.
It’s also always important to ensure the home is actually worth the money you are about to spend. For homeowners who are selling, an inspection will eliminate any unwanted surprises that could overtake the sale. This will allow you to fix any serious problems that will turn buyers away.
Are you debating whether or not to move or perhaps renovate your home to make it fit your family’s needs? Contact our design-build experts and learn more about how we can turn your existing house (or your new purchase in need of renovations) into a home that’s perfect for your family. Tracy Tesmer Design/Remodeling is Gainesville and Hall County’s premier home remodeler. Call us at (678) 450-1700 today!