So you started your home search, found your dream home, and are writing up an offer with your REALTOR®—congratulations! Buying a home is an exciting time, and when it feels like you’ve found the perfect one, it’s easy to get caught up in thinking of it as your own even before the offer has been sent in. You start imagining your new future and all the adventures your family will have there, and before you know it, you’ve already started calling it “yours!”
A word of caution, though… As exhilarating as it is to feel like you have finally pinned down your new home, there are still some steps to take care of before making it official. One of the most crucial being the home inspection. Sure, your possible new house looks perfect behind those rose-coloured glasses, but you never know what might be hiding under the surface.
Why You Should Always Get a Home Inspection
First and foremost, a home inspection alerts you to any potential issues the property may have hiding behind the carefully curated interior design and decorations. While some problems are apparent with just a glance—like leaky faucets and stained or damaged flooring—the most worrying concerns can often be hidden entirely out of sight if you don’t know where to look.
Some of the most important red flags a home inspection can reveal include:
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Levels of air toxins like radon, carbon monoxide, and mold
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Age and condition of the home’s systems, including electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling
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Age and condition of the roof and shingles
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Non-permitted additions or renovations—municipal codes exist for a reason and if illegal work was done and is discovered later on, it could cost you more in insurance, taxes, and more
From water damage to faulty electrical wiring, a professional home inspector will know exactly what to look for in their search to give you an accurate assessment of the house’s condition. That way, if it starts looking like more of a money pit with countless repairs to make, you have the opportunity to rescind your offer to purchase before it is firmed. Of course, if you’re still set on making this house your home, though, you also have the option to re-write the offer asking the seller to complete the necessary repairs themselves or provide a price reduction to offset the cost to you. Then, at least, the financial onus isn’t entirely on you once the keys are in your hands!
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The Value of a Home Inspector
In addition to simply making you aware of any potential issues in your possible new home, the value a home inspector offers to a buyer is so much more. A good home inspector won’t just give you a list of what’s wrong and call it a day—they will also give you an estimate of just how much time and money it will cost you to make the changes. Plus, as a valuable knowledge resource, they will also give you important tips for maintaining the home over the long-term, helping you to save thousands over the coming years!
Home Inspection Tips for Buyers
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Before anything else, the best tip I can offer you is to do your research. Find an experienced, certified home inspector with a proven track record you can trust. Don’t just go for the cheapest, quickest option to get it out of the way. Buying a home is one of life’s most costly investments and you don’t want to worry about saving $100 now only for it to cost you thousands more down the road. Ask friends and family for any recommendations they may have or, better yet, ask your REALTOR®! Having worked with many local home inspectors, they will have a good comparison between their services and will likely have some recommendations based on that experience.
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Even though it may feel like a lot of waiting around, attend your home inspection in person. While most reports tend to be pretty detailed, if you are actually present for your home inspection, you’ll have the chance to walk through the home with your inspector so they can actually show and explain what it is they are seeing. Plus, it will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have, rather than having to wait for a response after the fact.
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Don’t be shy—ask questions. Trust me when I say not only are you not bothering them, your home inspector is actually expecting the questions. They may do this on a daily basis, but you don’t! And if you don’t fully understand what it is they are telling you, it is their job to help you get there to make the best decisions for you and your family.
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- If you did notice any in your own tours of the home, discuss any visible issues with your home inspector. Sometimes in the flurry of technical talk, it can be easy to lose track of what exactly they have made note of and what they have not. So, if there are any concerns you have noted on your own—from cracks in the unfinished basement to water dripping from the eavestroughs—that you want reassurance about, don’t hesitate to ask about them specifically for peace of mind.
- As much as you love the home, there are just some places you may not be willing to go. Make sure your home inspector physically inspects the roof, attic, and crawl spaces. This ensures that they are getting the full picture of possible water damage, mold, ventilation, insulation, and other possible concerns that may be lurking under the surface.
- Feel free to do your own inspecting as you go! Look for possible signs of cover-ups, like suspicious paint and flooring patch-ups that may indicate something the seller may have tried to hide. Test the plumbing by flushing the toilets and running the showers and faucets to make sure they actually work. Take a look at the systems for any signs they may not have been maintained properly—an old furnace filter that is desperately in need of replacement is a good indicator of possible neglect.
A home is one of the biggest purchases you will ever make, so make sure you are protecting your investment as much as possible. Once you’ve got the reassurance of a home inspection report in-hand, discuss the results with your REALTOR® and what it could mean for your purchase. Can you move ahead worry-free or are you looking at a much bigger financial cost than anticipated? If so, are you renegotiating or pulling out of the offer entirely? No matter your choice, at least you know you are making it in the most informed way possible with the help of a licensed professional at your side!
Posted by Kent Braaten on
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