When buying a home, there are so many things to check out before the big signing day. Inspecting a home should be at the top of the list. Home inspections identify problems that may not be obvious to the naked eye. Here are some important things to consider when having your new home inspected.
There are different home inspection processes to choose from and the age of your home will help to determine which one to get.
Start by first finding a professional and certified home inspector. Check out your online resources such as Angie’s List and the home adviser website to find one close to you. Realtors® also have recommendations of inspectors so make sure to ask them to help you locate one.
Once you have found your certified home inspector, they would be able to identify with you what type of inspection your home would need. Most homes need a general or residential inspection. General inspections include the structure, exterior, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior, insulation, and ventilation. After completing the inspection, the final report helps the buyers decide on any needed repairs before purchasing. To get the most information out of the inspection, make sure to ask questions about the findings. Having these answers on hand will enable you to negotiate with the sellers about including those needed repairs. Besides, it is essential to know the structural condition of your home.
Another home inspection to consider is the termite/wood-destroying organism inspection. This type of inspection would account for structural damage caused by wood-boring insects. For older homes, these insects may cause problems in the future. Generally, this type of inspection comes at an additional cost.
If you are buying a home that is older than 30 years or more, consider doing a lead-based paint inspection. This type of inspection came about after the federal government banned the use of lead-based paint. If you that lead-based paint may have been used in your home, hire a certified lead abatement contractor to inspect your home.
Another type of inspection to consider is gas and chemicals. A mitigation contractor can test for methane gas or radon and identify ways to remove it. There are additional charges for this type of inspection. Overall, getting a home inspection is an integral part of becoming a homeowner. Make sure to use the resources provided to you and your Realtor® for any questions or concerns.
