It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of buying a home. Once you’ve had an offer accepted on your dream house, you’ll probably be anxious to move in. However, before you make a significant financial commitment, it’s best to know exactly what you’re buying. Getting a proper home inspection is a huge part of both purchasing and selling a home. A good home inspection should be more than an evaluation of the structural integrity of your home; it should be a lesson in how to care for your property and get the most out of your investment. Read on to find out the things you never want to do when getting a home inspection.
- Hiring the cheapest inspector
We all love to save money, but not all inspectors are created equal. Before you hire one, do a little research. You may even want to start shopping for an inspector before you complete your home search. Inspection periods are typically short, so it never hurts to be prepared. You can start by asking around for recommendations. Check with friends and family members, as well as your real estate agent. Then contact at least two or three inspectors so you can compare not only price but also levels of experience and service.
Ask about their background, years of experience, and the number of inspections they have completed. Verify their certifications and credentials, and make sure they carry the proper insurance. Find out what is (and what isn’t) covered in the inspection and if they utilize the latest technology. Ask to see a sample report so you can compare the style and level of detail provided. Finally, make sure you feel confident in the inspector’s abilities and comfortable asking him/her questions.
- Skipping the actual inspection
It’s often not mandatory to be present at a home inspection, but it’s a good idea. You don’t need to hover over your inspector during the entire process (it could take up a whole morning or afternoon), but be available to talk things over once they finish the inspection. Just looking at their report isn’t enough. I can tell you that those written reports can either make a small issue look huge, or a huge issue looks small. So, make sure you are able to understand the issue clearly by seeing it with your own two eyes.”
- Not inspecting new construction
If a home was just built, you may think there’s no need to have it inspected. But The Realty Times will tell you that you’re wrong. Homebuyers are notorious for making the mistake of not having new construction inspected. Most assume that it must be in good shape in order to pass all local ordinances and codes. Well, unfortunately, that is sometimes not the case. Just because a home is up to code doesn’t mean there’s nothing wrong with it. Often, your inspector is the one person who can really tell you what’s structurally wrong with your home.
- Skimming the inspection report
Even if you do attend the inspection, but especially if you didn’t, it’s important to go over the inspection report thoroughly. A good inspector will use clear, concise language (i.e., the report shouldn’t be difficult to understand). Reports are often in digital format, with photos to illustrate the home’s strengths and weaknesses. Whatever format it comes in, make sure you can understand your inspection report.
5. Not being present for the inspection
Tempted to let the inspector just do her job and read the report later? Don’t do it. Even a detailed report with pictures is not the same as being present, he says. An inspector must report on everything that’s found, no matter how minor. So hearing the inspector’s comments directly and being able to ask questions is extremely helpful in figuring out what items from the report are truly a concern. Since an inspection can last up to three hours, at least be there at the end to go over the findings. If you absolutely can’t make it at all, have your agent attend to learn firsthand what the inspector has found.
- Taking the inspector’s recommendations lightly
Thankfully, as a buyer, it’s not your job to negotiate and find solutions for the issues that come up with the house, it’s your agent’s. But through the negotiation process, it’s not uncommon for certain issues to just never be fully resolved or addressed. When this happens, buyers don’t follow up on those items before closing the property.
When you do come across an issue that has more or less been swept under the rug during negotiations, look to an expert for help. Be sure to bring in different experts to address specific issues found by the inspector (plumber, electrician, roofer, etc). Many of these contractors will give you a free inspection/estimate — sometimes all you have to do is ask.”
- Forgoing additional testing
There are times when an agent or inspector will recommend bringing in a specialist to evaluate a potential issue. For example, they may suggest testing for mold or consulting with a roofing expert. Some buyers get spooked by the possibility of a “red flag” and decide to jump ship. Or, in their haste to close or desire to save money, they choose to ignore the recommendation for additional testing altogether.
Don’t make these potentially costly mistakes. In some cases, the specialist will offer a free evaluation that takes minimal time to schedule. And if not, the small investment you make could provide you with peace of mind or save you a fortune in future repairs.