When you are buying a home, you might be confused about the inspections that need to be done. There are some points that you should know which will help you understand these inspections and what your role in them will be. Once you know these points, you will find that the inspections will be less daunting than you imagine.
Inspections Are Optional
The first point to know is that inspections, when you buy, are optional. However, while they are optional, it is recommended that you have the inspections done before you sign the final purchase offer. The inspections provide you an insight into any potential problems that the property will have and that you will be liable for once you have bought it.
Another benefit of inspections is that they offer you a tool for negotiation. If there is a problem found in the inspections, you could negotiate a lower purchase price for the property. It is also important to note that many mortgage lenders will require inspections to be completed before they approve the mortgage.
You Are Responsible For The Inspection
A lot of first-time home buyers do not realize that they are responsible for the inspections. This means that you need to leave yourself enough time to find an inspector have the inspection done before you need to settle the purchase. You also need to ensure that you include the costs of the inspections into your budget.
You do not want to rush through finding an inspector because you need to ensure that they are certified and that the inspection is done correctly. Your real estate agent should be able to point you in the direction of an inspector, but if you have the time, you should look around. The inspector your real estate agent uses may not always be the best so taking the time to look around is recommended.
What Does The Inspection Cover?
It is critical that you know what the inspection is going to cover to ensure that you are getting a full inspection. A qualified inspector will look at the foundations, the basement, structural components, the interior plumbing system, the interior electrical system, the heating system, the condition of the doors, windows, floors and ceilings as well as the attic and insulation. It is best to think about the inspector as a doctor for your home as they will be looking to see that the house is in good condition and that there is nothing serious wrong with it.
What Is Not Covered In An Inspection?
There are certain points that you may feel should be covered by the inspection, but are not and this could be normal. The areas that are left out of an inspection will include the inside of the walls, the roof, and chimney as well as the septic tanks, wells, sheds and additional structures that are separated from the main house. As inspections do not usually cover these, it does not mean that they should not be inspected. You will simply need to find a different source to look at these parts of the property.
You Can Attend The Inspection
Most property inspectors recommend that the buyer is present when the inspection is done. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions about the property and any issues that the inspector may raise. Most inspectors will also be able to tell you if the problems they find are going to seriously affect the structural integrity of the building and what maintenance you would need to complete on the property if you buy it.