Why You Need a Home Inspection

Why Do I Need A Home Inspection?

In your excitement to buy a home, it's easy to miss a small crack in the foundation, some leaky pipes under the house, or a roof that needs to be replaced.
The sellers worked hard to make the home look as desirable as possible, but looks don't tell the whole story. That's where your home inspection comes in.

What about inspections for sellers?

For sellers, a home inspection is also a good idea prior to listing the home for sale. An inspection can help you turn up issues ahead of time so there will be no surprises when serious buyers start inquiring. Knowing in advance means you'll be able to consider all your options – either making repairs before listing or pricing your home to account for anything you're not going to fix.

What does a home inspection include?

A general home inspection will evaluate the house and adjoining structures from top to bottom, inside and out, including but not limited to:

Outside
Roof, porches, driveways, garage, drainage, retaining walls, grading, and plants or vegetation that may impact the home's condition.

Inside
Electrical and plumbing systems; foundation; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems; water heater, septic system, electrical system, windows, doors, floors, ceilings, and walls.

What a home inspection doesn't cover

The home inspector can't make any alterations in the course of inspecting a home – so there’s no digging up the ground, lifting carpets, knocking out walls, etc

• This is a big purchase for you. Consider being at the inspection to follow along and ask questions.
   
• Also consider that a home comprises tens of thousands of parts, pieces, nooks, and crannies. An inspector will look at a representative sampling, but there's simply no way to check every single element.
   

Specialized Inspections – When Do You Need One?

Some states and cities require additional inspections on top of a general inspection. Beyond that, you may just want a specialized inspection due to a special circumstance or particular concern you or your general inspector may have.

Examples of specialized inspections:
• Sewer inspection
• Chimney inspection
• Mold inspection
• Lead inspection
• Asbestos inspection
• Pest inspection
• Inspection of a special feature such as swimming pool or hot tub

Tip
If a home inspector tells you not to attend the inspection, find someone else. This is a classic red flag.

How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?

It will depend on factors such as the age of the house, location, and, obviously, size. The larger the house, the more expensive it gets. On average, you can expect to pay between $300 and $400 for a standard inspection. And this price range may vary from state to state.

Another factor to also consider is the type of home. These are condos, mobile homes, single-family detached homes, townhouses, etc. It is indeed another money out of your pocket but it is actually a very good investment that could save you thousands in hidden repairs.

If specialized inspections are needed—like for pests or sewer systems—those may cost extra.

What Happens After the Inspection?

Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will provide you with a detailed report outlining the findings. Review the report carefully with your real estate agent. Depending on the results, you may:

• Ask the seller to make repairs.
   
• Request a credit or price reduction.
   
• Decide to walk away from the deal if there are major issues.
   

This step is crucial because it gives you one last chance to make an informed decision before finalizing the purchase.