The home inspection is the most important pre-purchase task that a buyer can perform.
A home inspection helps buyers by identifying repairable items that sellers may have been otherwise aware. A buyer can expect to receive a 40- to 60-page report with high-resolution color photos, detailed diagrams, and links to additional information. The reality is that buyers have access to more information about the home they are purchasing than ever before.
The primary focus of the home inspector is to provide buyers and sellers with a better understanding of the physical condition. Items such as the HVAC system, water drainage, roof, structure, and chimney are especially important to investigate. Obviously, these are the items that can have the greatest long-term effect on the overall state of the home.
For these reasons, some sellers elect to have a pre-listing inspection to identify areas of concern. Home inspections can disclose these items and then, sellers can address the problem areas before the property is placed on the market. The American Society of Home Inspectors recommends that a home be inspected every 10 years, regardless of whether a sale is taking place. Moreover, new build properties should not be excluded from home inspection either.
Know the limitations of a home inspection
The observations may dispel or reinforce the buyer’s fears of the property. Nevertheless, the inspector should never play a role in addressing the repairs. The home inspection does not replace an appraisal or termite inspection. Additionally, professional home inspectors do not note every small defect in the property. The buyer should be able to detect minor or cosmetic flaws without the aid of a professional.
Condominiums and townhouses have a different type of inspection process than single-family properties. What can you expect with your condo home inspection? Read here!
A complete home inspection is crucial to capturing a complete view of the property. See the entire 14-point checklist that Curbed.com offers for home inspections.