Why have a house inspected?

Have you ever purchased a used car only to have the engine light come on the next day? Or moved into a new apartment and discovered mold growing in the bathroom? These unpleasant surprises can be costly both financially and emotionally.

Purchasing a home is a huge investment, so you want to avoid nasty shocks after closing. That’s why getting a professional home inspection before buying can prevent expensive surprises and give you peace of mind.

Inspections Reveal Existing Problems and Maintenance Issues

A thorough home inspection will examine all of the major systems and structures including:

• Roof and attic
• Foundation and basement
• Electrical, outlets, and wiring
• Plumbing, pipes, and fixtures
• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)
• Insulation and ventilation
• Doors, windows, and walls

Inspectors often uncover issues that require repair or replacement such as:

• Leaky roofs: Can lead to costly water damage if left unaddressed
• Faulty electrical wiring: Poses serious fire hazards
• Cracked foundations: Allow water intrusion and structural instability
• Faulty plumbing: Can cause leaks, flooding, and mold
• Old HVAC systems: Lead to high utility bills and possible breakdowns

The average buyer ends up spending $1,800 on repairs within the first year of home ownership. But repairs for more serious issues like a leaky roof or mold removal can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Inspections Identify Potential Safety Hazards

In addition to physical condition, a thorough inspector will check for potential safety hazards in the home such as:

• Electrical issues like overloaded circuits, exposed wiring, lack of GFCIs
• Fire hazards including faulty smoke detectors, outdated fire extinguishers
• Evidence of mold which can cause respiratory issues
• Asbestos insulation, a known carcinogen
• Radon gas seepage that increases lung cancer risk
• Lead-based paint chips and dust, especially harmful to children

Many buyers have discovered serious threats like elevated radon levels or dangerous mold infestations through the inspection process. Identifying these hazards in advance allows you to properly mediate them before moving in.

Inspections Provide Negotiation Leverage

Armed with the home inspection results, buyers can go back to the seller with requests for repair credits or a lower sales price. Statistics show:

• Up to 23% of buyers re-negotiate with sellers after the inspection
• Around 60% of sellers agree to some reduction in price or repairs

Even if the seller refuses concessions, the inspection empowers the buyer to make an informed decision about moving forward or walking away.

Home Inspections Give You Information to Make an Informed Decision

The summary inspection report delivers objective, unbiased information on the home’s condition. This allows you to fully understand what you’re buying and the associated risks and costs.

With all the inspection details in hand, you can make the right choice about how to proceed:

• Accepting the property as-is
• Asking for repairs or credits for larger issues
• Walking away if problems are too great