Imagine buying your dream house, then discovering after you’ve moved in that all kinds of things need to be repaired - far more than you have the money for. That’s why having the building inspected before you buy is not only a smart idea, but something you can’t go without.
Pre-purchase building inspections can turn up problems that you may not have been aware of, and aren’t able to find on your own. Professionals will help you save money by doing research and helping you ask the correct questions about your potential new home.
During the sale of a home, the inspector will take a look at the roof to see if replacement is necessary, will check for dry rot or signs of termite infestation, will look at the heating and cooling systems to make sure they’re operating at tope efficiency and will check the foundation for problems. The gutters will be inspected, as will all electrical wiring, and probably the home’s plumbing as well.
Inspections might seem like a good idea even before you’ve made an offer, but think again. This could cost a lot more money than you think. Instead, make your offer as usual, contingent on whether or not the inspection comes out satisfactorily.
Once you’ve had the inspection done, that information can be used to negotiate for pricing that’s better for you, if work needs to be done. Remember - nothing’s ever final until the contract is signed.
Remember that there are only two people who can request home inspections in most regions - the owner and the buyer - unless a complaint about the property has been filed. A home inspection is the best way for buyers to protect themselves against unknown problems.
You might wonder why you should have the home inspected yourself - after all, wouldn’t a building inspector have checked the house over? Unfortunately, you don’t know when the house was last inspected, or whether the inspector did a good job. Many people do unpermitted remodels and skip the inspector.
Inspection fees are relatively inexpensive - only a few hundred dollars - and that money is worth what you get. When you’re lucky, the house will be in good shape, but if there’s something wrong, you’ll be happy to find out.
A pre-purchase structural report is for someone who only wants to know if the house is stable - many people looking to renovate are in this situation. Floors, footings, walls and other elements will be checked, but little else.
If you’d like to make sure other parts of the house are in good shape, too, ask the inspector to do more than just look at structure. Some inspections will be visual only, but professionals do know what problem areas look like, making this a smart choice.
There are lots of lawsuits filed every year about new construction that was supposed to have been professionally inspected - things just slip by. The only way to know what you’re getting into and protect yourself is to hire an inspector on your own behalf.
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