When you’re buying a home, there are several expenses that you may already be anticipating, like the realtor fee and moving expenses. With many bills coming up, you may try cutting any expenses that you can. Many do this by forgoing an inspection of their potential new home for damage.
However, getting the house inspected before purchase is crucial, mainly because a home inspection helps you know the exact condition of your potential home. A house inspection will also give you an idea of how much repair and regular maintenance for your possible home will cost.
In this article, we discuss the top six reasons to call an inspector for home damage.
1. Helps You Make the Final Decision
When an inspector inspects your potential home for damages, it can reveal critical information about the house. This information will indicate how much repair the place requires and the likely cost of regular maintenance.
If you aren’t comfortable with the information an inspection reveals, you can always back out from the offer. Knowing the home’s exact condition can give you a clear idea about the potential expenses and reveal relevant information that can save you from buying a property that isn’t worth the asking price.
2. Reveals Illegal Additions
When property consists of illegal construction like rooms that are not permitted, it affects taxes, insurance, and overall property value. When there is illegal construction, the buyer is paying for something that doesn’t exist on paper.
Thus, a home inspection can reveal if there is any construction that is done without a permit or did not follow code. There are several new homes with systems that have not followed code. In such cases, it may become a problem for the home buyer that would later require fixing.
3. Protection
A house inspection is essential if the house you intend to purchase has been foreclosed for a while. Inspections often reveal that homes that have been closed for an extended period may develop mold problems that can prove to be a health hazard and cost you a lot to remedy.
Many home inspections have also often revealed that foreclosed properties with copper plumbing have had the copper components removed and sold to recycling units for cash. You can inspect your plumbing system without having to break down any walls by doing a drain camera inspection.
4. Negotiation Opportunity
The home inspection report provided by the inspector will allow you to know of any damages to the house. With this information, you may ask the homeowners to pay for the repairs or negotiate the property’s price down. To ensure that you get the best deal, talk to your realtor, and discuss what you can negotiate over.
During a home inspection, there may be the detection of pests or carbon monoxide. Thus, make sure that your contract states that, should such problems exist, you have the option of canceling your offer on the house.
5. Determine Future Expenses
A house inspector can determine the age of your plumbing system, heating and cooling system, and even the age of the house structure itself. Knowing the installation age of the house’s various crucial elements can help you determine future expenses on repair and replacement.
Since most of home elements have a specific life span, knowing when they are due for replacement and repair can help you make critical financial decisions. It can also help you decide on the type of insurance coverage or warranty you may require for the house.
6. Insurance
Qualified home inspectors can help you get certifications and inspections like the four-point inspection that can save you a lot of time and money. This is especially important as most insurance companies will not insure a house if certain problems are found.
Home Inspection Tips for Home Buyers
- Have an inspection contingency: A contingency can help you back out of a deal and keep your deposit if there is a big problem in the house
- Look for a certified home inspector: Choose an accredited home inspector from a reputable inspection organization.
- Discuss the inspection report with your inspector: After the inspection results, make sure to make an appointment with the home inspector and discuss the inspection report to understand the house’s condition thoroughly.
Conclusion
Buying a house may be one of your most expensive purchases, and you’d want to ensure that you get the best deal on your dream home. From knowing the condition of your potential home to negotiating with the homeowners on the pricing, a home inspector may make your journey of finding the perfect home easier.
When you hire a house inspector, you get all the crucial information on your potential house, and you can make an informed decision on the purchase of your dream home.