When buying a house, you could get caught up in the excitement and ignore the home inspection. A bad home inspection can throw a wrench into the selling process. Even worse, a good inspection when something is wrong could cost you down the road.
Difference Between Home Inspection and Appraisal
A home inspection’s goal is to assess the structure and other aspects of the property. The inspector writes a comprehensive report on their findings to explain the issues.An appraisal determines the dollar value of the property. They don’t assess structural damage.
Both can affect whether you buy the property.
Not Inspecting House for Problems
Walk through the house and do your own inspection. If you’re interested in a house, ask to see it a second time. At that point, walk through and around the house with a critical eye. Look for any minor or large damage.Look up at the ceilings. Are there any stains that could indicate a current or past leak? Turn on the faucets. How are they running? How does the toilet flush? Are there any draining issues? Look for drafty or foggy windows. They may need to be replaced.
Not Knowing the Inspector
The inspection is only as good as the inspector. Do the research. What do reviews say about him or her? Ask for references. Check on their qualifications and certifications. The inspector should be certified either by the American Society of Home Inspectors or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors.You also should check how long they’ve been doing inspections and their background. Ask to look at sample inspection reports.
Don’t assume the inspector is good just because your real estate agent recommends him or her. The agent is out to sell you a house and wants everything to go smoothly, including the inspection.
No Attending the Inspection
This is the number-one mistake a homebuyer makes. It’s not mandatory, but being there when the inspector is walking around is definitely in your favor.A walk-through with the inspector will also tell you what the inspector is looking for. This is an opportunity to ask questions about issues you saw. The inspector might point out additional issues for you. For example, you may not have noticed uneven door frames or floor. This could indicate foundation problems. A good inspector will catch these types of issues.
Listen to what the inspector is saying as they walk around. Be with them for both the inside and outside inspection.
Not Reading the Inspection Report
The inspection report will provide details about the house’s main systems, which could include the HVAC, electrical systems, plumbing, or potential safety hazards.Although you may have been with them for the inspection, the report may contain more details and information that the inspector didn’t mention to you.
For example, you may have noticed rotting wood at the bottom of the garage door. Although you might have passed it off as typical wear and tear, the inspector may suspect termite damage.
Only Focusing on the Grounds
Many homebuyers assume that because the home has been inspected, that’s all that needs to be done. However, elements on the surrounding grounds need to be assessed.For example, if the house has outbuildings or a fence, these can be expensive to repair or replace. A good inspector will assess their condition.
If the house has a septic system, it needs to be inspected. If it has a well, you need to know its condition.
Not Looking at the Roof
It’s common for inspectors to avoid climbing up on and looking at the roof. Find an inspector who’s willing to do that. They may charge a little more, but it will save you the thousands of dollars that a new roof costs.Focus on the Inspection When Buying a Home
It’s not the glamorous or fun part of house buying but the most necessary. Without a thorough home inspection, you could end up spending thousands of dollars on repairs.It’s better to have a legitimate home inspection, so you know if you should buy or walk away. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you stack the deck in your favor.
