Home Inspections are a vital part of the home buying or selling process. They uncover safety issues and maintenance concerns that could cost both parties a lot down the road. If these issues are not addressed by the parties, they could become deal breakers or lead to legal action. click here to expand your knowledge.
Generally, a home inspector is hired after a sales contract has been signed. The buyer then has the option to cancel the sale if problems are discovered. This gives the seller a chance to either repair the problem before closing, reduce the price or both. It also gives the buyer peace of mind knowing that they are not purchasing a money pit.
While a home inspection is a great idea for anyone looking to buy or sell their property, it is important to understand what a professional is and is not allowed to do during an inspection. According to the state law, a Home Inspector must provide a written report to their client within 10 business days of the inspection. The report must identify which systems and components were inspected, their condition and any recommendations for further evaluation.
A home inspector can spot a wide variety of problems, from small cosmetic details to larger structural concerns. A typical home inspection will include a look at the roof, attic and foundation; exterior and interior doors; windows and trim; plumbing; electrical system and wiring; and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The HVAC inspection is a critical component of any home inspection, as it provides the inspector with the opportunity to check for proper installation and operation of the unit, as well as note any areas where repairs are needed.
Other items that a home inspector is able to examine include the age of the home, its energy efficiency and the presence of any hazardous materials. A home inspector may also be able to offer suggestions for improvements or maintenance and can help buyers estimate the costs of these items.
The home inspector is not there to tell the client whether they should purchase or sell the property, nor are they qualified to offer an opinion on the value of the property. However, an experienced home inspector should be able to point out problems that a lay person might not notice, such as a water stain on the ceiling that indicates a leaky roof or a crack in the foundation that should be fixed before it gets worse.
During the inspection, the client and/or agent should follow the inspector through the home. This will allow the client to ask questions in real time and get a more detailed explanation of the findings than what would be included on the written report. This will also give the client an opportunity to see how serious any issues are in real time, rather than being shocked when the problems are revealed in the written report.
It is not necessary for the client to attend an inspection, but it is a good idea. Many real estate agents will attend an inspection as well, as this allows them to discuss the issues with the client in real time and offers another perspective on the severity of the problems.