Home Inspections: The Basics
Posted on: 27 April 2022
Home inspections are most commonly completed when someone is trying to sell their home. Most mortgage lenders will require there to be a completed appraisal and/or home inspection before they agree to lend funds to the buyer to purchase a property.
What Is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection occurs when a home inspector comes to a property to check the integrity of the home. A home inspector will take pictures of the home and have a detailed report written up for the buyer and seller to look over within a few days of the inspection. Depending on what is in the inspector's report, it may include recommendations on how to repair something or the next steps to take.
What Is the Home Inspection Looking For?
A home inspection checks the home over from top to bottom.
When a home inspector conducts the home inspection, they will be looking at things like:
- Home's foundation
- Heating/cooling systems
- Plumbing systems
- Electrical systems
- Roof
- Attic
- Windows, doors, walls, ceilings, etc.
- Basement
The inspector will look for safety concerns in the home. If there are big safety concerns identified, it should be easy to negotiate with the seller about repairing them before the sale.
Why Do You Need a Home Inspection?
When buying a home, if there will be a loan taken out to purchase the property, more than likely, the mortgage lender will require there to be a home inspection completed prior to completing the loan process. If it turns out the home is not in a good or safe condition and is not worth the amount of the loan, the lender may retract the loan approval and significantly decrease it.
It is also important for a buyer to know as much about the house they are purchasing as they can. Buying a home is a big step and a huge investment. It is best to know there will be no problems in the near future or to at least be aware of the potential problems beforehand.
Does the Buyer or Seller Need to be Present for the Home Inspection?
Neither the buyer nor the seller needs to be present for the inspection. It is recommended that the potential buyer attend the inspection so they have first-hand knowledge about the condition of the house they may purchase. Sellers are discouraged from attending the home inspection as it is a time for the buyer to ask questions and have that time with the home.
For more information about home inspections, contact a local inspector.
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