Have you set your eyes on a particular house? A home inspection is essential prior to making the purchase in order not to invest your money in a property full of household issues. Homebuyers stand to gain from such an assessment in terms of negotiating a better price.
Real estate agents usually refer home inspectors to their clients to facilitate the entire procedure. When purchasing a house, attending the inspection is considered vital to see the potential problems for yourself. The largest part of companies allows homebuyers to be present during the procedure upon their request.
These are the main things you need to know before hiring such professionals.
Understand the process
Prior to hiring a home inspection company, homeowners need to fully understand the process of inspection. The role of these experts is to assess the safety and overall condition of houses in order to provide clients with the necessary documentation. Minimal assessment is performed in approximately two hours, whereas proper inspection takes longer, between five and six hours. The exact time of completion depends on the size and age of the house.
This kind of inspection goes in favor of both homebuyers and sellers. The former get familiar with the repairs and improvements their houses need to undergo so as to circumvent legal liability. In contrast, homebuyers stand to benefit from such an assessment by learning the issues a property has, which affect the overall price they plan to offer. Upon discovering potential problems, homebuyers can either ask the seller to reduce the price or make the necessary repairs. Visit this page to check out the most common issues home inspectors look for.
Moreover, homebuyers are advised to attend the assessment in order to get hands-on experience. Receiving a written report cannot be compared to witnessing the condition of properties in person, as home inspectors will present you with visual proof. In case you are in the market for a new house, make sure you ask the home inspector to attend the inspection.
Learn about the things that will be inspected
Once you get familiar with the assessment process in general, it’s time to check which factors are going to be inspected. Home inspectors examine not only the inner but the outer property areas as well. They commence the assessment procedure by inspecting the condition of the plumbing system. It’s common for pipe materials to be deteriorated due to old age; fixtures to be faulty, and water pumps to be damaged. Considering the frequency of plumbing defects, inspectors pay special attention to checking the risk of such defects.
Furthermore, the representatives of home inspection companies inspect the roof for potential leaks. Shingles are likely to experience deterioration over time due to old age or unfavorable weather conditions. Following the assessment, these professionals determine whether the roof is supposed to be replaced or simply repaired.
Another crucial aspect of home inspections is the structural condition of houses. The majority of home inspection companies in Denver, such as coloradohomeinspector.com, conduct a visual examination and identify the main areas of concern. Structural issues are the costliest to repair, which is why homebuyers need to be informed about their possible presence. Rafters, floor joists, and windows are supposed to be thoroughly checked. Such issues are particularly common in old homes, not so much in new ones.
In addition, heating and air conditioning systems are a crucial part of home inspections. Air ducts and distribution pipes should be checked attentively in order to ensure heat and cool air are distributed properly. In most cases, homebuyers request inspectors to assess the condition of chimneys if there is one on the property.
With the assistance of moisture meters, home inspectors inspect the presence of water in basements. Water is known to cause plenty of household issues such as mold and rot. Besides the use of professional tools, these experts look for visible signs of damage in the form of a musty odor, wall discoloration, stains, etc. While inspecting basements, they also search for signs of pest infestation. Rodents and termites are known to be the most common enemies of household members.
In the course of such assessment, inspectors look for signs of hazardous chemicals like mold, asbestos, radon, and lead. Asbestos is a potential threat in houses built earlier than 1980, while mold is extremely common in both old and new houses. In case the property you intend to buy uses well water, make sure the inspector examines the water quality to check whether it’s safe for household members to drink.
Be prepared for any news
Once the procedure is completed, it’s paramount for both homebuyers and sellers to be prepared for the report they are about to receive. Keep in mind that the job of home inspectors is to detect any kind of problem, regardless of how minor it is. Otherwise, the failure to report problems will most certainly cost their hard-earned license.
Moreover, sellers aren’t supposed to be frustrated with the report they receive but make sure all problems are repaired on time, prior to offering their houses to homebuyers. On the contrary, they will be considered legally responsible for the potential issues the new residents experience after moving in.
Choose the right company
When looking for a home inspection company, individuals are recommended to hire certified professionals. An important aspect to check is whether the company is a member of a respected organization, such as NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors) and ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors). The membership in such an organization is a clear sign the company adheres to high standards.
After making sure the company is a member of a renowned organization, it’s vital to ask for references. Getting in touch with former clients is one of the best ways to learn about the capabilities of these professionals. Nevertheless, when asking for references, make sure you’re provided with numbers of clients who used the services a couple of years ago, not recently. Those having their houses recently inspected won’t be able to inform you about the development of any overlooked issues.
Ultimately, interviewing company representatives over the phone or personally is recommended for the purpose of learning more about their experience, qualifications, and availability. Make sure you inquire about the services they offer to clients, as well as their cost. Also, it’s important to learn whether the inspection is backed up with a written warranty.
The bottom line
Hiring professionals to evaluate the condition of the house you wish to buy is highly recommended.
Never skip the process!