The biggest mistake to avoid on a home inspection list is not having an inspection. Whether you inspect the home, you are buying yourself or have the inspection done by a professional it is the best chance you have to find out if the home you are buying has material defects. If you miss these defects prior to closing and don’t negotiate their repair or get a credit from the seller, you will be responsible for any defects in the property.
Do You Have an Inspection List?
Many of the tasks set before you once you have a binding contract, are time sensitive. Making a list of what needs to be done and when will keep you on track as deadlines come and go. Although deadlines can be extended, they will require agreement from the seller. In a tight market, a seller may have back up offers and a missed deadline may or may not be extended for you. This can potentially cause, you to miss your opportunity to have necessary repairs carried out that are found by your home inspector.
Are you having new construction Inspected?
Just because a home was just built doesn’t mean that you should forgo an inspection on a new home. Even new construction can have issues and finding them prior to closing can save many headaches down the road. Just because the home passes all necessary code inspections does not mean that it is in perfect order. Even a new home can have material defects and you will want to find them so spending the couple of hundred dollars necessary for a professional opinion is money well spent.
Many builders will discourage an independent inspection and if they do, you may not want to purchase from them. Professionals suggest the new homes receive three inspections. One inspection when the foundation is poured, a second prior to the installation of insulation and drywall and a third prior to the final building walk-through. It will be easier for a contractor to make corrections to the home before you move in if any are found by your inspector.
How Are You Choosing the Right Home Inspector?
If you have a buyer’s agent that you are working with they may have home inspector’s with whom they’ve worked in the past. You don’t need to use one that they suggest just be sure that you hire one that is reputable. Having your cousin’s husband’s best friend the general contractor, who will inspect the home for almost nothing, perform your home inspection may not be the best route to take. Although a general contractor may know a lot about home construction, even they don’t have intimate knowledge with all of the systems in a home.
A licensed home inspector will systematically go through the home and will focus on material defects. They will also provide an inspection report when they are finished that you can use to negotiate repairs with the seller. You won’t get this service from the friend who is a general contractor and it is an important tool, especially is major defects are found with the home.
Are you going to the Inspection?
You need to so that you can see what is being inspected. Attending the inspection will give you greater knowledge of the homes structure and systems and will give you more clarity when reading the inspection report. Don’t get the inspector’s way but watch what they are doing and if they bring items to your attention, note them so that you can consider what you’ve seen after the inspection is finished. The home inspectors report is the best tool you will have if you find defects and seeing defects, first hand, will help you understand the report and aid you in negotiations with the seller.
Are You Taking Your Home Inspectors Recommendations?
If you don’t then you’ve just wasted a couple of hundred bucks that could save you thousands if a material defect is found. That’s the point of hiring them to begin with is to find any surprises that will cost you later. If you choose not to take their advice and negotiate defects with the seller, then your knowledge of the defect will prevent you from going after the seller at a later date, whether they disclosed or not.
If they find that the house is in total disrepair and the buyer doesn’t want to budge on making the necessary repairs, it may be time to quit the deal and look for a home elsewhere. Listen to your inspector’s advice. It’s why you hired them to begin with, for advice.
Does a Home Inspection Find Every Defect?
General home inspections cover more of what can be seen, than what cannot. If you have a concern about the roof, the heating and air system, the private water system, septic system, or appliances then you should bring in a professional whose specialty fits the need. Most home inspectors view the roof from the ground with binoculars, which can miss issues. A professional roofer will be able to give you a better read on the condition of the roof, the underlying decking and the structure it sits on than a general home inspector will.
The same applies to heating and air systems. The most costly system in your home to purchase and operate, only a licensed technician will be able to pop the unit open, look at its workings and determine its condition. Kitchen appliances are the same, although age and appearance is not necessarily a sign of them being defective, older appliances are not as energy efficient.
Are You Making a Home Inspection Mistake?
Whether you are using the services of a real estate agent, buying a home through Movoto or from an individual, having a home inspection is money well spent.
2 Point Highlight
The biggest mistake to avoid on a home inspection list is not having and inspection.
Just because a home was just built doesn’t mean that you should forgo an inspection on a new home.
