The majority of home-buying decisions are based on emotions. Sometimes, things fall into place on their own, and sometimes, it turns out to be a complete disaster. But one thing is clear that nobody wants to buy a home with defects.
Buying a home blindly often results in regrets. The home you thought would bring you security and proud ownership, ends up draining your savings in repair bills and puts you neck-deep in debts. And you are most likely to be in over your head when you have a mortgage.
The biggest regret you will have is that you didn’t order a home inspection when you had a chance. However, merely ordering a home inspection isn’t enough. You must know what to ask during a home inspection so that you can get the most out of it.
But before knowing what to ask during a home inspection, knowing what to expect is important.
A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual assessment of a property, performed by a licensed building inspector. The inspection generally takes two to three hours and is concluded with a detailed report of findings along with possible solutions.
A standard inspection covers structural aspects including foundation, roof, walls, floors, basement, as well as plumbing, electrical, drainage and HVAC systems. Also, there are specialised inspections done to detect the presence of radon in a property. It’s a must for you because even a shred of radon can mean serious health hazards in the future.
Now, when you order a home inspection, here’s what you can do to get the most out of it.
Hire an experienced home inspector
There’s no substitute for experience, especially when it comes to home inspections. The more experienced your home inspector is, the more defects will he be able to find, and the more money can you save in the price negotiation. Plus, an experienced home inspector will catch all those defects which may otherwise fall through the crack.
Be present on the day of inspection
You will miss out on all the fun of a home inspection if you aren’t present there in flesh and blood. Attending the inspection is a great opportunity to get hold of the issues firsthand. Although you can trust your home inspector to do the job well, it is more satisfying to see with your eyes than having someone else narrate it to you.
Ask about the repair cost
Rather taking a shot in the dark, knowing the cost of repair will help you negotiate better. If you attend your home inspection, you should be able to understand the issues as well as the cost to fix them, alternatives and everything else that points to savings.
At Alpha Building Inspections, we aim to deliver maximum value to our customers without them asking. We find defects with passion, and it is this passion that translates to customer satisfaction. Give us a call to book an appointment.