Why is a Home Inspection so Crucial?
When you make the decision to purchase a home,regardless of whether it is your first or your fifth, there is one critical step that has to be taken – a home inspection. If you are a novice home buyer or one that has been through the ringer before but is debating having a home inspection done, read on. This article will outline not only what a home inspection is, but why it is so vital that buyers have one done.
What Exactly is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a thorough evaluation of the home and property that you are considering buying with your hard earned money. A proper home inspection will be done by a certified home inspector. The inspection will encompasses a non-invasive evaluation of the major components, however it is not limited solely to these.
A certified home inspector would be hired to inspect the home and components to find if there are any services needed, material defects, or items that need repair. They will also do an evaluation of many of the components of the home and their life expectancy. The safety aspect of these components is also evaluated, and then the potential buyer is given recommendations by the home inspector.
It is Important that Potential Buyers Understand:
A home inspection is not is an insurance policy or guarantee for the house and property. It is not intended to predict the future life expectancy of all of the home’s components. It is also not a report for necessary cosmetic repair.
What Should I Know About Radon Inspections?
In respect to radon inspections, a testing device is usually left at the home in a closed environment for a period of about 48 hours. The test results are then evaluated against the standard that the EPA has set. Anything at this found to be level or above the EPA standard ought to be remediated.
What Else Will a Home Inspection Look at?
Inspections may also include water. This is especially true if there is a well or a septic system. Generally, these two inspections are performed by separate inspectors. A pool/hot tub inspection may also be requested by the buyers – however it is not a requirement.
How Will I Find Out the Results of the Home Inspection?
The home inspector visually inspects the home. After this they are required to write a report and a defect summary that is accompanied by pictures of the defect.
The buyer’s agent or attorney will review the inspector’s report(s) with the buyers and a request to repair items that are deemed defective are then negotiated within a certain time frame will be negotiated within the agreement of sale. The buyer has the option to either accept the property as is, request repairs, or in some cases, ask for a credit. The buyer may also elect to terminate the agreement based on the report.
Conclusion:
Every buyer should have inspections on the property that they are purchasing, even if it is new construction. For example, if a buyer is involved in a foreclosure, the property is usually “as is.” In situations like this it is vital that buyers know what they are getting in to. Because the property will be purchased in “As is” condition it is even more important that a home be inspected to ensure that the buyer is both informed of what they are buying and protected from purchasing an extremely defective or dangerous property.