Home Inspection Checklist for Buyers: What You Need To Know Before Inspection Day
A home inspection is essential when purchasing a house. For a buyer, an inspection is a great way to save unnecessary costs. An inspection might seem daunting or stressful, but that doesn't have to be the case. This article will equip you with a checklist of what is important before the inspection. After checking the tips below, you'll be ready for inspection day.
Cost of a Home Inspection
Price differs depending on your location and the size and condition of the house. The Housing and Urban Development Department states that a home inspection ranges from $300 to $500. You might pay more in some instances.
It could help to know that specialty inspections aren't part of a presale visual inspection. For instance, if you require a termite activity inspection, you must hire a special inspector and pay extra fees.
How To Find the Right Home Inspector
The second item on your checklist should be finding a licensed inspector. A real estate agent should be able to recommend the best-suited home inspector. If you're selling your home independently, websites such as Home Advisor have home inspectors in your location. Go through their reviews before settling on an inspector to determine who is trustworthy.
When To Arrange for an Inspection
You schedule an inspection once your offer on the home has been accepted by the seller. Avoid unnecessary costs by not getting an inspection before the seller signs off on the sale.
What Goes On During the Inspection?
An inspector looks for some crucial things, including damage, repairs and the fitness of the electrical and HVAC systems. In addition, the home inspector attempts to identify any concealed or unspecified flaws in the home.
After an inspection, the inspector reports the findings to you. This report can play a crucial part in the upcoming sale process.
What Should You Look for in the Report?
In most cases, an inspection report lists repairs. The common areas that appear in a report are the HVAC, roof, water leakage and structural issues.
Remember, inspectors don't check the parts they can’t see. They also don't inspect aspects such as water quality. Ensure you go through the terms of the inspection agreement and ask questions upon receiving the inspection report.
What Happens After an Inspection?
After an inspection, what occurs next depends on your contract and state. The seller isn't obligated to fix any damage, so if you can't negotiate a change in your terms of purchase, you might have to cancel the contract. This will depend on the contract terms, and a real estate attorney is best suited to provide clarification.
The Bottom Line
The checklist serves as a good benchmark when preparing for an inspection. You don't want any surprises after getting your new house, so it's in your best interest to use a qualified inspector to decrease the risks of necessary repairs.
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