An Important Step To Take When Buying A Home
When you're buying a home, scheduling inspections is an important step that you should consider. There are lots of different inspections available. A general home inspection covers everything from the attic to the basement and is a must-do. Your lender will also require a termite inspection. We highly recommend both of these inspections. Your real estate agent can help you understand all the different inspection options available and their costs. For example, if you have a mold allergy, you may want a mold inspection. Some parts of our area have radon so you may want to have a radon inspection. The inspections get scheduled immediately after we go under contract on the house. We have 10 to 15 days to get the inspection scheduled, completed and terms negotiated.
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During the inspection, the home inspector will check for issues like leaks, electrical and plumbing problems, and potential bat infestations in the attic. Inspectors provide a detailed report highlighting any maintenance needs, safety concerns, or structural issues. A general home inspection typically costs around $350, while other inspections will have varying costs. The home inspector is not a roofer, so he might make a recommendation to have the roof inspected by a licensed professional. Or he might say that you need the HVAC reviewed by a licensed professional, but he will be testing all of those things to make sure that they're working properly and advise you if additional inspections are recommended.
If the buyer's inspection uncovers major issues, the inspection period serves as a safety net to allow you to renegotiate the contract or even walk away if severe issues are identified and still get your earnest money returned. In short, while inspections may involve upfront costs, they provide peace of mind and can save you from potential financial and safety risks in the future. For example, if the yard has lots of large trees, neglecting a sewer scope inspection could result in costly repairs if there are issues with the sewer line. The cost to repair the sewer line can be $5,000-$6,000.
If you're selling your home, there are certain updates you might want to consider making before putting it on the market to avoid any surprises during the buyer's inspection. This includes ensuring proper handrails on stairs and installing (GFIs) ground fault interrupter outlets within 6’ of water sources. This includes the kitchen, laundry room, bathroom and exterior outlets. Those are a couple of things you can do to get your home ready to sell.
As always, we want to provide value and helpful content when you are looking to buy a home.
If you have any questions about the homebuying process or home inspections, please feel free to call us at 816.262.2585
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