Congratulations! You’ve found the perfect home and now it’s time to make the offer and close the deal. If you’re like many people, you may be feeling a cash crunch right now. You may be wondering why you would want to incur another expense, such as a pre-purchase home inspection. A valid consideration!
When choosing a home, it’s important to know whether or not the home needs work, and how much it is likely to cost. A prudent homebuyer may want to make an offer to purchase “conditional on obtaining a satisfactory inspection report. Inspecting the home before any conditions are waived gives you the security of knowing what to expect. It helps you make a decision informed about the condition and cost of maintenance of the house.
Professional home inspectors are trained to determine the presence of unsuspected problems in the home, through clues and symptoms that an untrained eye may not connect to the problem. Just as important is the opportunity to have a full explanation of how to operate and maintain the home.
Compare prices and choose an inspection company wisely. Look for a professional company and ask about the experience of the individual inspector. Find an inspector or company that you are comfortable with in terms of their ability to communicate with you. Attend the inspection and ask questions. Your real estate agent or attorney can help you find a reputable home inspector.
A quality home inspection includes the entire structure from roof to foundation, interior and exterior, and all electromechanical systems. A full inspection takes 2½ to 3 hours, includes a written report, and typically costs around $250 to $350 depending on the inspection company chosen. It will not eliminate all risk associated with home ownership, however it can be a value-added information gathering process that gives you a better understanding of your new home. And more security!
Don’t settle for less.