A Basic Guide to a Buyer’s Inspection

buyers inspectionBuying a home can be a lengthy process, but many of the steps a buyer takes to get to closing are for their own protection. The buyer’s home inspection is one of the most crucial steps one must take before sitting down at the final closing meeting. Many potential buyers are overwhelmed by the thought of going through a home inspection. However, once a buyer understands exactly what a home inspection entails; the process becomes a lot easier, and is often welcomed.

What is the purpose of a home inspection?

The home inspection process protects a potential buyer from purchasing a home in need of major repairs. The home inspection also serves many other important purposes. If issues are discovered in the home, they may lower the home’s estimated value, which would then enable a buyer to back out of the sale or make another offer.

Home inspections reveal potential hazards that a buyer otherwise may not be aware of; and offers the buyer the opportunity to make additional requests of the seller. The buyer’s home inspection is the part of the sale process that helps to solidify the sale, or let the buyer and/or the seller, know that it is time to move on from this particular deal.

What is included in your basic home inspection?

A home inspector’s report will include; the condition of the home’s heating and cooling units, the plumbing and electrical systems, walls and insulation, the attic areas and roof, floors and ceilings, doors and windows, any visible insulation, the home’s foundation, the basement, and the home’s visible structure.

Buyer’s can request other types of testing, such as, radon and mold testing, testing of the water supply, and energy audits.

All buyers should be aware that a home inspection can never be a guarantee against future problems. The Home Warranty covers many future issues and repairs. Once a home is inhabited, anything can happen over the lifetime of a property. Also, a home inspection is not an appraisal. The report can help a buyer to determine what to offer for a property; but to obtain an official appraisal a buyer must hire another company for this purpose.

Does the buyer need to be present during the inspection?

Though not a requirement, most home inspectors will want the buyer to be present. This allows the inspector to point out certain issues that may be uncovered. The buyer may have questions about certain aspects of the home; if they are present, they can ask these questions during the inspection. Buyers should note that the inspector needs time and space to do his or her job; so a buyer should make sure that their presence is not disruptive.

Note: Many home inspectors will offer a buyer, a 90-day warranty on the inspection. This warranty will cover certain items included in the home inspection for this time period after the inspection. If a home inspector does not mention a warranty. The buyer should inquire upon hiring an inspector, as to whether or not a warranty can be included in the inspection process.

 
[msh_feedburner]
 

10 Tips on How to Get Your Home Ready for an Inspection

Home Inspection Servcies

Homeowners already have a laundry list of things that need be done get the home ready to be shown. Now that you have received and accepted an offer, the next step is to have your home inspected.

There are many items that often get overlooked because you walk through your home on a daily basis, but the home inspector will have a fresh set of eyes on your property and he will be able to tell if there are major issues that need to be taken care of before the home is sold.  Here are a few items that you can do on your own to prepare for the inspection.

 

  1. Remove trees or mulch from the siding, rule of thumb is that your brush should be at least six inches away from your house.
  2. Make sure that your gutters are all in working order, run the hose through the gutters to clean them out.  Also, all water should be diverted from your house when it drains through.
  3. Clean out the attic, garage, shed and crawl space, these areas need to be easily accessible for the inspector.
  4. If there are large cracks in your driveway, take time to seal them up before the inspector comes.
  5. If there have been any major repairs done or you have warranties on anything for your house, leave out the proper documentation to show that you are on top of costly items.
  6. Be sure that your house complies with your town’s laws on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in each room and floor.
  7. Leave all of your utilities connected, the home inspector will test everything to ensure that it is in working order, even if your home is vacant make sure that everything can be tested.
  8. Ensure that your plumbing is all in working condition, including hot and cold water, if there are any leaks; make sure to seal them up.
  9. Clean or replace your heating and air conditioning filters, these items will be tested during the inspection.
  10. Be prepared to leave your house for at least 3 hours.  This will give the inspector enough time to go through your house and answer any questions that the buyer may have.  It is often incredibly uncomfortable for the buyers to ask questions if the current homeowner is present.