So, you have entered a new phase of your life; you are on a house hunt. As a new buyer, you may not yet know just what goes into buying the perfect house. Finding a beautiful house in the right neighborhood at the right price is only half the job. There is the important part about ensuring the house is worth the investment and knowing its condition. This is an essential step before you sign the dotted line.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a thorough check of a property that buyers generally conduct to ensure a house is as it seems to be. This is a great risk analysis tool for new buyers who wonder if a property is worth their hard-earned money. During this process, a trained inspector evaluates the entire house and usually lasts up to 3 to 4 hours. Later, he/she will offer a detailed report on the condition of the house.
An important part to note here is that a home inspector Ellsworth buyers hire wouldn’t cover every part of the house, especially components that aren’t visible or accessible.
What does a home inspector check?
So what do home inspectors check?
Exterior
| Roof/Attic | Foundation | Yard/Exterior |
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Interior
| Built-in Appliances | Structural Elements | Heating/Cooling | Electrical | Plumbing | Garage |
| Refrigerator
Dishwasher Oven Washer Dryer |
Doors
Windows Flooring |
HVAC
Other heating/cooling systems |
Switches
Outlets Ceiling fans Electrical panel Service drop Mast Grounding |
Any unusual noises
Water pressure/temperature Sinks Tubs Faucets Shut-off valves |
Slab
Walls Ceiling Vents Garage Door Lights Openers Windows Roof |
Why is a home inspection necessary?
Getting a home inspection can benefit you in the following ways:
- You get to understand the true condition of the house and what you can expect in the near future.
- You can ensure you are getting your money’s worth and are not being scammed with a drab property with a cosmetic makeover.
- You get a bargaining chip when negotiating a final sale price.
- You can save money on repairs by asking sellers to do it or walk away from a property before it’s too late.
Conclusion
Home inspections are an important step when buying a house. As new buyers, it is important that you never skip this step. It will help you understand the condition of the house and gives you an assurance that the property is as valuable as it seems to be. Moreover, you can negotiate the sale price in exchange for any issues you may find.
