When you are buying a house, your friends or family may tell you to get a home inspection done. What is a home inspection, anyway?
Well, a home inspection is carried out to identify any underlying problems in a house. It is often done before buying a house so that the buyer can make an informed decision about the property and the seller can fix anything that needs fixing.
But how does a home inspection work? And what can you expect from a home inspection? Continue reading to find out everything you need to know about home inspections.
What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is basically an inspection of a house’s mechanical and structural systems to determine their functionality. It involves a thorough examination of each system, appliance, and section of the house to identify any underlying issues.
Here’s what a home inspection covers, according to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI):
· Structure · Foundation · Roof and gutters · Heating and central air systems · Interior electrical and plumbing systems · Ceilings · Floors · Doors and windows · Attic · Foundation · Basement · Crawlspace
What to Expect from a Home Inspection?
When you schedule a home inspection, the home inspector will arrive at the house and take ample time to walk through the house, take notes and pictures, and even comment on their findings if you are accompanying them. They will offer you their objective opinion about the real condition of the house, without any exaggeration or understatement.
Now, they may not tell you whether the house complies with the local building codes. Nor will they comment on the house’s aesthetics. However, they will highlight any safety issues they may have uncovered.
For instance, they may identify water damage in the ceiling. However, concealed problems often go unnoticed. For concealed areas, you may need detailed and specialized evaluations.
When Do Home Inspections Happen?
Home inspections are carried out once the seller has accepted your offer but the sale hasn’t taken place yet. Buyers have the right to get the house inspected before purchase. They must schedule an inspection as soon as possible to find out any problems and negotiate the repairs with the seller.
You can also schedule a home inspection any time of the year to find out any underlying structural or safety issues. It is an important part of your house’s maintenance and ensures that any underlying problems are fixed timely to avoid any safety hazards.
Conclusion
A home inspection is carried out to determine the condition of all the accessible interior and exterior parts of your home.
A home inspector takes a detailed walk-through of your house to look at every nook and corner and offers you an objective report of the house’s condition.
So, if you’re thinking of buying a house, have it thoroughly inspected by an expert first.