A home inspection is a crucial part of the buying process to give you an overview of the house you want to purchase. An inspection will give you insight into any major issues with the house and ensure you know about all the potential problems before you invest in a piece of real estate. Here’s what to expect when you hire a home inspector.
The Inspection Process
A home inspector is a professionally trained individual who examines the appliances, fox valley plumbing and electrical wiring in a house. They also look at the roof, attic, basement and outdoor areas. Each inspector is looking for major issues, mold problems and defects before they write a report about the house. As a third party with no ties to the house, they are able to provide a thorough, objective list of what can be improved.
How Long Does the Inspection Take?
An in-depth inspection should take a few hours to complete. It’s a good idea to be there with the inspector so you can ask questions and hear about issues firsthand. After the tour, it will take about three to four days to get a report.
What Does an Inspector Look For?
The major things an inspector looks for when investigating your home are water damage, structural issues, plumbing problems, old roofing, pests, poor electrical wiring, and HVAC trouble spots. They don’t typically worry about cosmetic issues, such as peeling paint.
How To Prepare for Inspection
Declutter your house so the inspector can get into any closets and crawlspaces, replace HVAC filters, clear minor clogs, repair cracked windows and broken screens, trim bushes, and spray for pests to get your home ready for its inspection.
A home inspection can be a stressful event. Just remember that no home is perfect and, with the proper preparation, your home will be in tip-top shape to hit the market.
