Know what inspectors have their eye on when assessing a home
Home inspections help buyers identify problems in the home they’re purchasing.
Home inspection costs range from $280 to $400.
Inspectors will often assess the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC systems.
After the inspection, you’ll receive a report of any issues in the home to help inform your purchasing decision.
A home can be one of the biggest purchases you make in your lifetime, so it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. Hiring a trusted home inspector ensures you’ll discover any notable damage to the home before closing. Discover what the inspector will look for to prepare yourself with any questions to ask if problems arise.
A home inspection offers a last opportunity to discover problems with the home you’re buying before the purchase is complete. It gives you an overview of any future repairs or maintenance needed on the house and helps you make an informed decision on your purchase.
A local home inspector is typically chosen and paid for by the buyers. The inspection typically takes between two to four hours. During this time the inspector will evaluate the exterior and interior of the home and identify any problems. They identify things that are easily accessible and visible and do not cause any damage while inspecting. It’s recommended that buyers attend the inspection, as it offers an opportunity to explore the home with the inspector and ask questions.
The home inspection cost can range from $280 to $400, with the average coming out around $340. Some buyers may waive the inspection from their offer to make it seem more enticing to the sellers. This is not recommended as you may end up with unforeseen future costs. It’s worth it to pay the initial inspection cost now rather than get stuck with costly repairs in the future.
A house inspector looks for any issues throughout the home to ensure that all major systems are working and in good condition.
Inspectors typically begin by looking at the foundation as it supports the entire house and its contents. Issues with the foundation are often a dealbreaker for buyers because of the extent and cost of structural repairs. Inspectors will look for cracks, sloping, warping, or settlement problems.
The roof is usually the next area they’ll look at. Many times, problems with the roof are another deal breaker as it protects the home from outdoor elements and provides insulation. Inspectors will climb onto the roof or use a tool like a drone to assess its condition. They will look for leaks, missing shingles, and any other damages. Roof repairs can cost anywhere from $150 to $12,000 depending on the severity.
The other vital parts that inspectors look at include internal systems such as plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. They will assess any area affected by water flow such as the piping, bathtubs, showers, sinks, faucets, and toilets. They'll look for leaks, corrosion, and cracks. Inspectors will also check for moisture on the walls, floors, and ceiling.
Electrical systems are extremely important to have inspected as faulty electrical systems can cause serious issues and are one of the leading causes of house fires. Inspectors will evaluate the wiring and grounding of the electrical panel, check for corrosion, ensure switches are properly operating, and assess outlets. Costs for electrical repairs can range anywhere from $150 to $2,200.
Inspectors will also take a close look at HVAC systems. They want to be sure that your home will provide proper temperature control and ventilation. They will turn on the heat and air conditioning to ensure proper function. They will also check the thermostat and furnace to look for anything that is not working correctly. HVAC repairs can prove very costly, depending on their severity. Minor repairs range from $130 to $1,200, while full replacements can range from $3,250 to $12,500.
While it’s important to know what house inspectors look for when you’re buying a house, it’s also important to note what they don’t look at. Standard home inspections will not cover these areas:
Appliances
Air quality
Detached buildings
Swimming pools
Pests
Alarm systems
Hazards such as asbestos or lead paint
Staying informed of the areas that aren’t covered allows you to choose whether to pursue further inspections. You can hire separate specialized inspectors to assess these areas if you have any concerns. Keep in mind that there are additional costs for additional types of home inspections, but it may save you in the future.
After an inspection, you will receive a home inspection report of any identified issues in the home. There will likely be a fair amount of things listed, but keep in mind that no house is perfect. Many issues will be so small you won’t even worry about fixing them. Even brand-new homes often have a punch list of things that need to be fixed—so be sure to get new build inspections as well.
If the inspector has identified major issues with the home, it’s time to make a decision. You have options when it comes to choosing how to proceed. You can ask the seller to pay for repairs, you can pay for repairs yourself, you can split the cost of the repairs with the seller, or you can walk away from the deal. The choice often depends on your priorities and how much you are willing to spend on repairs. Don’t be afraid to negotiate with the seller and see if they'll chip in or cover the costs.
If it comes down to it, you may choose to walk away from the home after the inspection. While this can be a disappointing choice, it can save you a significant amount of money by avoiding major repairs. Rest assured that your dream dwelling is out there, and an inspector will help you objectively evaluate any place you choose to call home.
