Why You Shouldn’t Skip a Home Inspection
When you’re buying a new home, there will always be things that you’re not aware of and can’t see. However, a home inspector is trained and qualified to find potential problems.
You might be on the fence about whether you should get a home inspection before buying a property. Asking, “Why get an inspection?” is a normal question many homebuyers ponder, particularly millennial buyers and first-time buyers.
However, there are so many benefits to getting a home inspection. While the cost of a home inspection is in the hundreds, it can save potentially thousands in the future.
Keep reading to learn why get a home inspection when buying a property.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspector is an expert in assessing properties and finding hidden issues. They are also your trusted advocate when it comes to getting an objective overview of the property’s condition. When you hire a home inspector, you’re hiring a qualified expert to inspect your home from top to bottom.
They’re there to ensure that your home isn’t hiding any secrets behind the walls, underneath the flooring, or beneath the surface. Depending on the state you live in, laws and regulations require home inspectors to complete rigorous coursework, pass an exam, and gain experience before licensing.
In Texas, for example, a licensed inspector is required to complete 90 hours of coursework, complete 25 inspections under the supervision of a qualified inspector, and have three months of experience as an apprentice inspector. All of this to say, when you hire an inspector, you’re getting a qualified individual that knows what they’re looking for when they’re going through a house.
Provided you work with an experienced, qualified individual, you’ll be getting an advocate for you. Your inspector will be advising you on what needs to be done (by the sellers) for the property to pass the inspection, and therefore be safe and livable.
Because you hired the inspector, they are working for you and are looking out for your best interest. Sellers usually want to sell their home quickly and might forget to disclose an issue (if they even know about it themselves). But an inspector knows what they’re looking for, protecting you from anything that may be dangerous or costly to fix.
Why Get a Home Inspection?
Here are the main reasons why you should get a home inspection before purchasing a property.
1. Inspections are Inexpensive
Buying a home is one of the most significant expenses for the average American. When buying a property, you have to pay the cost of the property (or the deposit), closing costs, insurance premiums, solicitor fees, and taxes. All these costs add up and can make homebuying very expensive upfront.
So it’s easy to see why a homebuyer might want to save some money by skipping the inspection. However, it’s not as expensive as you might think. Home inspections typically run between $200 to $500, depending on the size of the house (according to HomeCity). That may seem like a lot, but remember, it’s a one-time fee, and what you get in return is entirely worth it.
Don’t think of it as an expense, but instead as an investment in your soon-to-be new home. It’s also worth noting that even some inspectors offer discounts. For example, if you’re a first-time buyer, military personnel, or have been referred by a friend. So, be sure to ask your home inspector for any discounts you may be eligible for.
2. Detail Everything About the Property
When you visit a property that’s listed for sale, you usually have around 15 to 30 minutes to walk through it. During this time, you’ll usually be able to visualize how you’ll decorate it, who gets what rooms, and think about what you might change throughout the house.
Chances are, you won’t have time to consider whether the air conditioner is working as required before making an offer. So, getting a home inspection gives you the detail of everything you need to know about the property. In essence, your home inspector becomes your eyes and ears.
They can assess everything about the property so you know how it works (and how well it works) inside and out. For example, whether the insulation is in good condition, if the air conditioning works properly, how modern the electrical system is, and the condition of the foundation.
3. Peace of Mind
Above anything else, you get peace of mind when you pay for a home inspection on a property before buying. When you’re buying a new home, there will always be things that you’re not aware of and can’t see. However, if your home inspector says the house is in excellent condition and that all of the systems are fully functioning, you can rest easy knowing that the purchase is wise.
Just remember, there are instances in which a home inspector might miss something, or your air conditioner fails after you close on the property. These things happen and there often isn’t much you can do about it. However, major issues will usually always be spotted and noted for your consideration before buying.
Should You Get a Home Inspection?
When deciding whether you should get a home inspection, skip the home inspection at your own risk. There’s everything to gain when getting a home inspection, and there are numerous reasons why you should never skip on a home inspector.
You might think you know what needs to be repaired after spending a few minutes in the house. But it’s always best to let an expert tell you before making such a huge purchase. It could end up saving you thousands of dollars in the long run.
If anything, the money spent on the home inspection will be worth it in the end. You’ll save on repairs, have a firm understanding of the systems within your home, and you’ll rest easier. You’ll know what you’re getting and not something that will fall apart soon after moving in.
Are you selling a property in Philadelphia, New Jersey, or San Diego? At Brotherly Love Real Estate, we buy houses fast for cash. Contact us today for a fair offer or call our team of real estate experts at (215) 769-9875.