Home Inspection: What To Be Prepared For

A home inspection is both a good idea and a smart investment. Whether you are selling or purchasing a home, a home inspection is required. If you’re a home-buyer, you may likely save money on repairs. As a seller, a home inspection might guarantee a sale. Home inspectors typically look for the same items in a home like repairs and defects that need to be addressed before closing on a home.

If you’re not well acquainted with how it goes, here is what you should expect during a home inspection.

The certified home inspector will walk through the property, checking on the roof peak, search for dipping spots which could indicate foundation or structural defects. He or she should then be able to use a ladder to climb to the roof for additional inspection. The inspector should additionally check around bath vent pipes, roof ventilation systems and skylights. The general condition of the shingles should also be noted and the inspector should be able to get an estimate of their life expectancy.

The inspector will check on the external part of the home like the state of the siding or brick veneer, sprinkler systems, landscaping lighting and the condition of the driveway and sidewalks along the property lines.

An interior home inspection includes the following items: sticking windows and doors, that could mean damage in the foundation and look for any cracked drywall. The inspector will make a general overview of the plumbing like showers, faucets, sinks, toilets and garbage disposal.

The electrical system of the house will also be checked thoroughly, which includes circuit breakers, main panel, wiring, receptacles, exhaust fans, light fixtures and ceiling fans.

The inspection can also include all components and systems of the house like the age and condition of the water heater, ductwork, furnace, fireplace and chimney, and also the central air.

Home appliances are also inspected as well as the dishwasher, oven, range and built-in microwave.

The garage walls, doors, slab floor and electric door openers will also be inspected.

A home inspection may take two to four hours, depending on the size of the house. As a buyer or seller, you should be able to attend the inspection so that you will have a detailed explanation of any issues, so plan ahead before the scheduled inspection.

You can expect to get a report within four or five days. Typically, a summary of the important things discovered will be written on the report. Don’t be surprised to find quite a long list; this is only normal since there’s no such thing as a perfect home. In some instances, experts will be contacted to evaluate items furthermore and give an estimate of the repair costs.

If you’re a homebuyer, you could prefer to ask the home seller to repair things or else offer you a discount or credit during closing so you’ll be able to fix these problems yourself. Always be reasonable in your request and refrain from making a wish list of upgrades that are not significant or structural. Most often, buyers and sellers usually reach a happy solution that works best for both parties.

Another great article by Nash Peggy Real Estate, Alaskan Homes & Properties Rea This article, Home Inspection: What To Be Prepared For is available for free reprint.