A home inspection is an assessment of a home’s condition. Home inspectors not only identify problems with houses, they can give buyers information that will help them with the upkeep. I want to teach buyers how to maintain the property because it’s the biggest investment they’ll ever make.
- Not researching the inspector
Too many buyers and sellers hire whoever is recommended to them without doing any research. The inspection is only as good as the inspector doing it. A few questions to ask: What are your qualifications, certifications, and training? What was your job before you were a home inspector? (Ideally, your pro was in contracting or building). You want a certified professional who stays current. There’s a lot of stuff you have to know, and you want someone who’s keeping up with ongoing education.
- Not attending the inspection.
Being present for the inspection may not be mandatory, but it’s a smart idea. Simply reading the inspection report isn’t enough to give most homeowners the full picture. If they don’t see it, they don’t understand it. The inspection might take an entire morning or afternoon, so set aside enough time. Good inspectors will spend time with you afterward to explain things and answer questions. Any home inspector who doesn’t let you follow him around? That’s weird. Ask any question you want. A good inspector can give you an estimate of how much you’ll need to spend on repairs and upgrades, which is very valuable information as you consider your budget.
- Not reading the full inspection report.
Too many buyers and sellers just glance at the inspection report. You need someone who uses “clear, concise” language in person and in written reports. I recommend checking the inspector’s website and asking for a sample report. A knowledgeable pro will state simply what’s wrong with the house and what it will take to fix.
- Not getting a pre-listing inspection.
Many sellers decide to leave the presale inspection to the buyers. That’s a mistake. When the buyers get an inspection (and if they’re smart, they will), the sellers may have little time to complete repairs and keep the sale on track. But if the seller has the home inspected before putting it on the market, he has more time to do repairs and to shop around and control his costs for the work. Both buyers and sellers often wait too long to engage an inspector. You should find an inspector long before you have (or make) an offer on a home. Any good inspector will be booked out.
- Not preparing the home.
Inspectors get annoyed when homeowners don’t prepare their houses for inspection. Don’t force the home inspector to empty the closet to get into the attic. If you have a crawl-space hatch, move anything sitting on top of it. Unlock gate access to backyards. If you have a lock on a utility closet, basement or shed? The inspector needs access. So open it or provide keys. For a seller, the best thing, if possible, is to be at home to meet the inspector, introduce yourself, provide your mobile number and then you can take off. To reduce the need for repeat inspections, hire professionals to do repairs. Too many sellers will try DIY or get them done on the cheap. But poor workmanship will show up during the follow-up inspection and could result in more repairs and another inspection.