Selling a House
What Fixes are Mandatory After a Home Inspection?
Technically no home repairs are required by law before you can sell your home, but that doesn't mean some repairs aren't necessary.
What To Expect When You're Inspecting
Don’t be left in the dark! Which you may be, if you don’t get a proper home inspection report. If you had this article confused with a popular pregnancy..
Madison Clifton
May 1, 2019
Don’t be left in the dark! Which you may be, if you don’t get a proper home inspection. If you had this article confused with a popular pregnancy book, well, a home will cost you about the same as a child so make sure you’re getting a good one. According to NAR, 99% of Realtors recommend that a buyer get a home inspection report, and 84% of them actually do. Where does one go to find Inspector Gadget and what all comes with a home inspection report?
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Where Oh Where
If you’re in the market for a reputable inspector, look no further than your handy dandy buyers agent, or their fairy godmother transaction coordinator. Agents are a cornucopia of contacts, and they’ve worked with enough inspectors to know the good eggs from the rotten apples. You’ve heard the commercials, “Come on down and tell ‘em Suzie sent ya”. This is one of those times that a little shameless name- dropping may get you a little something. If you’re not working with an agent, there’s of course good ‘ole Google, or a social media post “ISO Best Home Inspector”. Take the time to read their reviews. This will ensure that you are getting a thorough inspector as well as see any patterns that previous customers complained about.
When To Shop
You don’t have to wait until you need to hire an inspector to do your research. Keep in mind, the contingency period for you to get the home inspection report is typically no more than 10-15 days after your offer is accepted. In the busy season, the good inspectors could have you on a wait list for a week. The second mouse may get the cheese, but the procrastinating buyer may get the mouse.
Who Goes
It is your preference as to who attends a home inspection. The inspector themselves, being obviously the most important player, along with your agent, but any other participants are entirely up to you. Do you personally have to be present? Well, no, you don’t have to, but it is recommended since the inspector may be able to point out some specific things or answer questions you have on the spot about the home inspection report. Maybe you are worried about the plumbing and you want Uncle Bill to be there to talk shop with the inspector. Just remember, if the property is vacant, bring a chair and something to do. A typical inspection can take a few hours.
What to Expect
You’re ready. You hired and scheduled your appointment with a well researched, highly reviewed inspector. Most companies have packages you can choose as to what all is included in your home inspection report. Some items may be offered à la carte, and depending on the area where you are purchasing, they may or may not be necessary. Again, your buyer’s agent is your greatest resource, so ask them for advice. An inspector conducts a visual inspection of accessible systems and components of the home including:
- Structure and Foundation
- Electrical Systems
- Plumbing Systems
- Roofs and Attics
- Basements and Crawl Spaces
- Gutters and Drainage
- Walls, Floors and Ceilings
- Porches and Decks
- Property and Site
Ask your inspector is your home inspection report includes inspection and testing of:
- Furnaces in Heating Season
- Air Conditioning in Cooling Season
- Plumbing Fixtures in Kitchens, Baths and Laundries
- Water Heaters
- A Representative Sampling of Lights and Receptacles
- A Representative Sampling of Windows and Doors
- Built-in Appliances
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The extras are extra
Depending on the home and area, these additional services may or may not apply to you:
- Radon
- Infrared Scans
- Rodent
- Septic
- Propane
- Sewer Lateral
- Appliance recall safety
The inspector will give you and your agent a copy of the home inspection report and this is what you will refer to during negotiations. You can also provide the home inspection report to your own vendors to get estimates on items that the seller would not fix or you didn’t request be fixed.
You’re prepared and know what to expect when you’re inspecting. Check those reviews, call up Uncle Bill and BYO lawn chair. Go-Go Gadget home inspection report.