Home Inspections, Who Should Attend?
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Home Inspections, Who Should Attend?
The home inspection is an essential step of the home purchase process. There can be concerns about the home inspection and why one is needed.
Buyers generally spend very little time during the walk-through of a home showing. They may be on a schedule to see several homes and have deadlines to meet. This may limit the time they spend inspecting houses.
Fortunately, the home inspector's role is to examine the house thoroughly. They will typically spend several hours inspecting the home. Once the inspection is complete, the home inspector will create a report of their findings.
The home buyer and real estate agent should be present at the home inspection. It’s the best opportunity for the buyer to learn about the home. It’s also an excellent educational experience for the agent. You will be called upon to help negotiate the repair of significant issues. Everyone should be aware of any deal-breaker problems if and when they arise.
Things to watch out for:
Roof
The roof can be an expensive repair with the potential to lead to a lot of damage. Most roofs last about 30 years. It’s important to know the installation date of the current roof. The home inspector will check the condition of the shingles and look for water damage.
Plumbing
The home inspector will look for obvious problems and hidden concerns, such as plumbing violations. They will also search for signs of mold and mildew from leaky pipes.
Electrical
Depending on the age of the house, the electrical concerns may differ. With fewer outlets, older homes may have issues with wiring, which can be a fire risk. The home inspector will check the wiring for signs of damage and deterioration.
Foundation
Ensuring that the foundation of the home is in good shape is essential. Over time, the foundation can settle. This may lead to doors and windows not closing correctly and unlevel floors. Water in the basement or crawl space can be caused by poor grading of the soil near the house. The ground should be sloped away from the house to prevent water pooling near the home. Issues with the foundation are the most common problem found during home inspections.