So you made an
offer
and it was accepted. Now, your next task is to have the home inspected
prior to closing. Agents oftentimes make your offer contingent on a
clean home inspection.
This contingency allows you to renegotiate the price you paid for the
home, ask the sellers to cover repairs, or in some cases, to walk away.
Your agent can advise you on the best course of action once the report
is filed.
How to Choose an Inspector
Your agent will most likely have a short list of inspectors that they
have worked with in the past that they can recommend to you.
HGTV recommends that you consider the following five areas when choosing the right home inspector for you:
1. Qualifications – find out what’s included in your
inspection and if the age or location of your home may warrant specific
certifications or specialties.
2. Sample Reports – ask for a sample inspection
report so you can review how thoroughly they will be inspecting your
dream home. In most cases, the more detailed the report, the better.
3. References – do your homework – ask for phone numbers and names of past clients who you can call to ask about their experiences.
4. Memberships – Not all inspectors belong to a
national or state association of home inspectors, and membership in one
of these groups should not be the only way to evaluate your choice.
Membership in one of these organizations often means that continued
training and education are provided.
5. Errors & Omission Insurance – Find out what
the liability of the inspector or inspection company is once the
inspection is over. The inspector is only human, after all, and it is
possible that they might have missed something they should have seen.
Ask your inspector if it’s okay for you to tag along during the
inspection. That way they can point out anything that should be
addressed or fixed.
Don’t be surprised to see your inspector climbing on the roof or
crawling around in the attic and on the floors. The job of the inspector
is to protect your investment and find any issues with the home,
including but
not limited to: the roof, plumbing, electrical components, appliances,
heating & air conditioning systems, ventilation, windows, the
fireplace and chimney, the foundation, and so much more!
Bottom Line
They say, ‘
ignorance is bliss,’ but not when investing your
hard-earned money into a home of your own. Work with a professional who
you can trust to give you the most information possible about your new
home so that you can make the most educated decision about your
purchase.