It is always important to have a thorough home inspection when purchasing real estate. Paul Biagini explained.
Sometimes ago, I decided to skip a home inspection on a duplex property I had purchased for my use. I thought I knew what to look for. I had a contractor also from the Orange county peek at the property as well. Of course, this house had mold in the hard-to-see crawl space, some electrical issues and other items I wished I have known about.
A valuable lesson learned! I vowed never to let my clients make my mistake on their purchase.
Severally, I have attended hundreds of home inspections with my clients. Here are my tips to prepare for a home inspection.
- Always get a home inspection. The more the buyer knows about home – the more comfortable and successful they will be in the house. Home inspections cost between $400 and $600, which the buyer typically pays. Some common inspections are for the septic and water systems. Septic pumping and cleaning cost $300-$450, usually paid by the seller. A sewer scope ranges from $200-$275, typically paid by the buyer. Well, and water inspections vary greatly in price. It’s always a great idea to call around and check to price.
- Hire a professionally licensed home inspector. It is no fun when your best friend does one then you move in and realize something important was missed.
- Find a home inspector. Ask around; word of mouth is a great referral. A home inspector who is thorough and good at explaining things is crucial. Realtor referrals can be a great way to find an inspector. Some offer a list with several choices. For names of some inspectors, see these related websites: ASHI.com, NAHI.org, NIBI.com, andorg.
- Know what is covered on a typical home inspection. Ask for a sample report ahead of time. Visit websites to get familiar with what a home inspector checks for. Generally, a home inspector reviews the major systems in a house but NOT the sewer line or septic tank or well – those typically require an inspection by a specialist.
- Insist on pictures in your report. Pictures are worth a thousand words. I like to see a picture with a red arrow pointing to that leaky pipe, and another picture pointing to the damage the leak caused. Pictures are helpful to reference at a later date to refresh your memory.
- Attend the home inspection and be prepared. Schedule the inspection during daylight hours, making it easier to see flaws especially in the crawl space. Follow the inspector around and maybe take notes or photos. Bring measurements of your large furniture (pianos, dressers, dining tables) and take measurements of appliances that stay with the house. Bring a copy of the Sellers Property Disclosure form with any notes or questions so you can ask the inspector’s opinion.
- Ask about the turn-around time for getting the written report. Reports are often 20 pages long or more. Will you get it the same day, or a few days later? Some inspectors provide a materials list, and link to other valuable information on products and or product recalls and maintenance tips. Be sure to allow yourself time to read the report.
- Your expectation: Home inspectors’ job is to point out everything they see that needs attention — some might be safety items; some items might need to be watched over time. A great home inspector should help you navigate the problems and prioritize what to budget for or fix over time. You can decide what repairs to negotiate or if it makes sense to ask a seller to repair something before
Now, in believe you see that home inspection are truly worth it. Whether you reside in Washingtonville, in the Blooming groove town, and plan to seek greener pasture in a major city nearby, don’t underestimate the power of home inspection. They are worth it!
