You’ve just bought a new home. Congratulations! The seller has accepted your offer and you’re working with your realtor to tie up any loose ends before making the big move. One of the last – and certainly one of the most important – steps before moving in is to purchase a home inspection. A professional home inspector can help you search through every nook and cranny of the home to see if any last minute repairs need to be made, or if there are any hidden concerns that you may not have noticed upon first glance.
Don’t worry, usually any fixes that need to be made to the home will be covered by the seller before you move in, allowing you to have a new house in working order. But there are several tips you should still be aware of in order to ensure a clean and painless move. You’ll want to be just as informed on the inspection process as your inspector and your sellers are to avoid any pitfalls. These tips can help you stay on top of the game and ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck.
A mistake that buyers often make is that they don’t get enough recommendations for home inspections. More than likely, your realtor will recommend a home inspector for you to use, so you don’t have to do too much research. But it’s always best to ask friends, family, and other community members for their recommendations, too. There’s nothing wrong with vetting your home inspector before deciding, as well. Make sure they are qualified and have an experienced background.
Many new home buyers make the mistake of not attending the home inspection when it’s done. A lot of people think that they will be in the way of the professional inspector’s work, and cause a nuisance. But this is absolutely not the case. It is recommended to attend the inspection so you can scout out any potential problems or repairs with your own eyes. Get a good sense of what the inspector is doing by following along and looking in all of the same spaces. A good inspector will be able to answer any of your questions and also explain the inspection process. Ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable with it.
Now, you understand that a home inspection can be very important, but what exactly do home inspectors do? Do they just open cabinets and turn on faucets, or is it much more in-depth? To understand the extent and depth of searching a home inspection covers, research what a home inspection will cover. All factors are considered for the health of your new house as well as the health of you and your family. These are some of the most common and essential factors that inspectors cover:
After you’ve walked along with your professional and certified home inspector in the new house you bought, you’ll want to request a copy of the inspection report. All professional inspectors are required to provide you with this report, as it is an important overview of any damages or notes to bring to the seller’s attention. The report is an essential read in order to negotiate fixes and repairs. Take note of which parts of the inspection require the most attention so that it can be fixed immediately. This will ensure that your purchase and move into your house is seamless.
