Buying a home is a lot of fun but don’t get carried away dreaming about paint colors. Why? Because there’s an important step you can’t skip—the home inspection! It’s your home’s health check-up that shows you what’s in good condition & what might need a bit more TLC. Here are 11 things home inspectors wish you knew about these checks.
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Shop Around for Your Inspector
The saying, “You get what you pay for,” couldn’t be truer than with home inspectors. They come with different levels of experience, skills—and yes, even different gadgets to check out your potential new pad. Instead of picking the first name in the phone book, you should do a little digging & check those reviews. You may even want to ask for a sample report.
A Bargain Inspection Might Cost You More Later
We all love a good deal but skimping on your home inspection isn’t the time to pinch pennies. What if the inspector misses a big problem because they were rushing or didn’t have the right tools? That “cheap” inspection could end up costing you a lot more in repairs so you should definitely pay for better service. Essentially, you’re investing in your peace of mind.
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Inspections Aren’t Pass/Fail
Some people think of home inspections like high school exams—either you pass or you fail. But that’s not how it works because an inspection is more like a detailed health report for your house. It tells you what’s in great shape & what needs a little love, as well as what might need a major overhaul. There’s no passing grade.
Be There or Be Square
Skipping the home inspection is a huge mistake. While your house might look shiny & perfect on the outside, you won’t know what’s really going on until you take a closer look. Being there in person allows you to see any issues with your own eyes & you can ask the inspector all those burning questions. They can also give you some advice on how to take care of your new place.
Know What You’re Getting Into
While you might expect home inspectors to have X-ray vision, you have to be realistic. They can’t see behind walls or under floors—and they definitely can’t tell you when the furnace is going to kick the bucket! You should discuss with your inspector beforehand what the inspection does (and doesn’t) cover to save yourself from unrealistic expectations.
Think About the Future
A good inspector will tell you what’s up with the house now and also give you a heads-up on what might need attention down the line. Of course, they can’t predict the future but they can give you some advice. For example, that oven that’s been there for 20 years? You might need to replace that sooner rather than later. This will help you budget & save you from surprises.
Little Things Add Up, But Don’t Freak Out
Remember that finding a few minor issues during an inspection doesn’t mean you should run for the hills. Every house will have something—even the brand-spanking-new ones. It’s the big & expensive problems you want to watch out for as the little things are simply part of homeownership. You can fix most of them pretty easily.
Use That Report as a Bargaining Chip
Once your inspection report is in your hands, you should use it for all negotiations. If your house needs some repairs, you can use that report to ask the seller to fix them or to knock down the price. Think of it as a secret weapon to help you negotiate better prices or at least a better-quality house.
Sometimes, You Need a Specialist
Of course, a general home inspector is important but sometimes you need a specialist. Things like mold, radon, or termites might not be things they’re able to spot, yet these issues could still exist. If you’re buying in an area where these issues are common, it’s worth getting a specialized inspection to check them out.
That Report Is Gold
Don’t just throw your inspection report in a drawer & forget about it once you’re done. It’s far more useful than you might realize because it’ll point out any little quirks & issues in your house. As such, it can help you prioritize repairs & maintenance. This will keep your home in good condition for years to come.
The Devil’s in the Details
When you’re walking through your potential new home, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture & miss the little things. However, it’s those small details that can tell you a lot about your home. Many home inspectors wish buyers would pay attention to things like the quality of fixtures & the condition of the caulking in wet areas. Even how well the doors close is important!
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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