A home inspection can be a useful tool for buyers, sellers, and anyone looking to protect their investment and get the greatest possible value from their home.
Identifying Issues Early
When you’re selling a house, a pre-sale inspection can be incredibly beneficial. By identifying any potential problems your house may have, an inspection can give you an opportunity to address them before your first prospective buyer arrives. A pre-listing inspection can give you an edge as a seller, particularly in a competitive market. Potential buyers are likely to find the kind of detailed information an inspection provides reassuring—and are encouraged to give your home a closer look.
When Should You Get a Home Inspection?
Beyond routine maintenance and pre-sale inspections, there are several circumstances in which a home inspection could greatly benefit a homeowner. Here are a few simple questions to ask yourself to determine if an inspection makes sense:
- Was your home inspected when you bought it? If not, consider scheduling one, even if the home was new at the time of construction.
- Are you an older homeowner looking to make upgrades to stay in your home? If you are, it makes sense to hire a professional who can inspect difficult-to-reach areas and point out maintenance of safety issues.
- Are you buying a home that’s under construction? You may want to hire an inspector early on and schedule phased inspections to protect your interest and ensure that the quality of construction meets your expectations.
- Do you have a baby on the way or small children? An inspection can alert you to any potential safety issues that could possibly affect a growing family, such as mold, lead, or structural problems. If mold or lead is present, be sure to rely on technicians or labs with specialized training in dealing with these conditions.
What Home Inspections Do Not Cover
For a variety of reasons, some homes will require special inspections that are not covered by a typical home inspection. A specialty inspection might include a sewer scope, septic system, geotechnical conditions (for homes perched on steep slopes or where there are concerns regarding soil stability) or underground oil storage tank. If you have any questions about whether your home needs a specialty inspection, talk to your real estate agent.
Choosing a Professional
If you decide to hire a home inspector, be sure they’re licensed in your state. They should be able to provide you with their license number, which you can use to verify their status with the appropriate government agency. It’s also helpful to ask for recommendations from friends and family members. Even among licensed and qualified home inspectors, there can be a difference in experience, knowledge, performance and communication skills, so learn what you can before you hire a home inspector to ensure that you get the detailed inspection that you want.
Understanding Your Home Inspection Report
Once the inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed report covering any issues found. Focus on major concerns like structural and electrical and consult your inspector or a specialist if anything is unclear. You can ask your inspector to walk you through the report and help prepare you for the next steps.
What to Ask Your Home Inspector
When hiring a professional inspector, ask these important questions to make sure they are qualified and the right fit for the job.
- What does your inspection cover? Insist that you get this information in writing. Then make sure that it’s in compliance with state requirements and includes the items you want to be inspected.
- How long have you been in the business? Ask for referrals, especially with newer inspectors.
- Are you experienced in residential inspections? Residential inspection in a unique discipline with specific challenges, so it’s important to make sure the inspector is experienced in this area.
- Do you make repairs or make improvements based on inspection? Some states and/or professional associations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in an inspection. If you’re considering engaging your inspector to do repairs, be sure to get referrals.
- How long will the inspection take? A typical single-family dwelling takes two to three hours.
- How much will it cost? Costs can vary depending upon a variety of things, such as the square footage, age, and foundation of the house.
- Can I be there for the inspection? Will you go over the inspection report with me? This could be a valuable learning opportunity. If your inspector refuses, this should raise a red flag.
- Are you a member of a professional home inspector association? What other credentials do you hold? Ask to see their membership ID; it provides some assurance.
- Do you keep your skills up to date through continuing education?An inspector’s interest in continuing education shows a genuine commitment to performing at the highest level. It’s especially important in older homes or homes with unique elements.
