Do I Need to Hire a Home Inspector?
A commonly asked question is, “What is a home inspection and do I need one?”
In short, a home inspection is a thorough examination of the condition of a home. Although it is always recommended, not everyone chooses to have one.
Your home is one of the largest and probably most precious investments you will make in your lifetime. You want to make sure that a professional will examine areas that you may have missed. As stated in the Statewide Buyer and Seller Advisory in bold letters and caps, “You are strongly advised to investigate the condition and suitability of all aspects of the property. If you do not do so, you are acting against the advice of the broker.”
Consider it this way: When purchasing a car, you do not just purchase it because it looks nice. (Well, I’d hope not) You do research, analyze it, and coordinate with a professional so that you can determine that it’s not only a good car for you, but it’s safe, durable, and THE ONE.
Realtors will conduct an Agent Visual Inspection Disclosure (avid), which is primarily to seek anything noticeable that may impact the value or desirability of a home. However, because agents are not trained to diagnose or seek for interior damages, he/she may be able to only notice things that are clearly obvious. Such as, scratches on the floor or chipped paint. However, a professional will know whether you need to look further into mold, a smell under the sink, etc.
ecause Realtors are not able to visually see or know what may need work and what doesn’t, they don’t expect you to either. Realtors are not trained in this profession nor have the credentials to inspect a home. In result, a professional will be able to visually capture any defects that you do not see.
Both buyers and sellers are informed that the buyer has the right to obtain several inspections under most residential agreements. The buyer is instructed to have an inspection completed within his/her Buyer’s inspection contingency period. This period, protects the buyer by allowing him/her to have a home inspected within a specified time period. The Inspection contingency therefore protects the buyer who can choose to cancel the contract or negotiate repairs if for any reasons required.
Most often, people believe that they can analyze a home based on what they see- the walls, floors, and surfaces. A home inspector, however, will be able to acquire information regarding the home’s plumbing, roofing, and insulation that someone without the knowledge and training, could do not detect.
Upon completion of an inspection, you will be informed of any interior or exterior damage that may alter your choice of purchasing a home. The inspector will provide details of his/her findings with a report.
The final report will assist a buyer in deciding whether to follow through with the purchase, cancel the purchase and have any earnest money returned, request for further investigations, or request for repairs.
Remember, a home inspection is only a small sum of what you will pay in relation to the dent unseen damages can cost you.