Buying a house is not an easy task.
You might’ve taken a loan from the bank. Or you might’ve sold your old house. Or you might’ve been saving for decades.
Whatever the case, buying a house is quite challenging (financially). Especially if you are tight on budget.
No wonder it is also one of the biggest accomplishments in life.
But did you know that your new home can have potential issues that could turn this dream into a nightmare?
Well, now you do.
There’s a high chance that your potential home might have hidden surprises for you. And to deal with these beforehand, conducting a pre-purchase home inspection is crucial. This goes beyond the house’s glossy surface and evaluates the systems and structures within a house.
If you don’t know much about these inspections, don’t worry. We will guide you through.
This blog will discuss every aspect of pre-purchase inspections and how they can help you in your home-buying process.
So, let’s start.
What to Expect During a Pre-Purchase Home Inspection?
A pre-purchase inspection is an important step in your home-buying process. It offers a comprehensive evaluation of the property’s condition.
Knowing what to expect during this examination process helps you make informed decisions. You can decide whether to buy the house, ask the seller to make the repairs, negotiate the price…or simply back out of the deal.
Typically, you can expect these inspections to cover every nook and crook of your house. It will provide a thorough assessment of your house’s following key areas.
Exterior Inspection
During the exterior inspection, inspectors first assess the roof. They’ll look at its condition and ensure it is free of leaks. They’ll also consider the lifespan of roofing materials.
Later, they’ll examine the foundation and will look for the signs of cracks, shifts, or signs of structural issues.
Lastly, They’ll evaluate the siding, windows, and doors for their overall condition.
Interior Inspection
Moving forward from the exterior, inspectors check the interior of your house. This will include them checking various systems within your house. They’ll first evaluate the plumbing systems. During this, They’ll be looking for leaks, water pressure, and the functionality of fixtures.
Secondly, They’ll be looking at the electrical systems. While assessing these systems, They’ll look for wiring, outlets, switches, and the main electrical panel.
Lastly, They’ll inspect the HVAC systems. They’ll check whether these systems are operating properly for their respective tasks.
Structural Components
Once the inspectors are done with the exterior and interior inspection, They’ll start to evaluate the structural components keenly. For this, They’ll evaluate the floors, walls, and ceilings. They’ll examine these for any signs of damage or structural issues.
After this, They’ll check the attic and basement. They’ll assess the insulation, ventilation, and potential issues like water damage or pests.
Appliance and Fixtures
A pre-purchase inspection also includes inspecting appliances (that come with the house) and fixtures. Inspectors will be thoroughly inspecting the appliances for their appropriate functionality and condition. Later, They’ll examine fixtures such as faucets, ceiling fans, and lights.
Safety Features
Lastly, home inspectors will also cover safety features within your home. They’ll first verify the presence and proper functioning of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If your house has stairways and railings, They’ll inspect them for safety and adherence to building codes.
What Is The Associated Cost of Pre-Purchase Home Inspections?
The cost of pre-purchase home inspections can vary depending on several factors. But for an idea, you can expect to pay between $300 to $500 for a standard inspection.
Again, these are not definite prices and can increase or decrease based on various factors like:
· Property’s size
· Property’s age
· Property’s location
Moreover, if you choose to add on extra services, such as radon testing, mold inspection, or pest assessments, then (of course) the charges will increase. We suggest not avoiding these additional inspections just because They’ll add up to a few dollars in the total price. This is because these will make the inspection more thorough, and you will be at peace with no surprises coming your way.
Who Conducts the Pre-Purchase Inspection?
Typically, a qualified and licensed home inspector conducts a pre-purchase home inspection. These inspectors are professionals who are trained to assess the property’s condition and identify issues or concerns.
These experts are knowledgeable about various aspects of a home, from its structural integrity to its roofing and more.
What to look out for when choosing a home inspector?
You might get confused when choosing the home inspectors because there are too many fish in a pond. So, how do you find the best home inspector? The following guide might help you in this regard.
When you are about to hire a home inspector, it is important to look for someone who has the experience and certifications. If they are ASHI and InterNACHI certified, then they should be the best candidate, and you should hire them. But, if not, then the other certifications can also be added as a plus. It is also advisable to check whether your region has specific licensing requirements for home inspectors. If it does, then ensure that your inspector meets these criteria.
Moreover, if you have also signed up for additional services, you must narrow your search. This is because while home inspectors can provide a comprehensive property evaluation, they might not specialize in other areas. These may include pest control, environmental testing, or specific engineering assessments. So, it is better to find someone who specializes in this area or hire additional professionals with expertise in the specific areas.
A pro tip: You can also contact home inspection companies in Fort Worth, and they can schedule your inspection with the best home inspectors. This will save you time and will also guarantee a thorough inspection.
What Happens After Pre-Purchase Home Inspection?
Homebuyers often wonder what to do after they are done with a pre-purchase inspection. If you are one of these homebuyers, here is a step-by-step breakdown of the steps you should take post-inspection.
Reviewing the Inspection Report
After completing the inspection, inspectors will provide you with a detailed inspection report. This report will document the information about the condition of various components that they assessed. At the end of this report, they’ll also add a few recommendations that you can follow in the long run.
Assessing the Inspection Report
Being a homebuyer, you shall carefully review the report. Make sure to pay attention to any significant concerns or safety issues. When you receive the report, it is better to understand the implications of the findings. So that, if you don’t get any point, you can reach out to your inspectors. Furthermore, understanding these findings is also important for an informed decision-making process.
Consulting with Your Real Estate Agent
Once you fully grasp the inspection report, you may discuss it with your real estate agent. They’ll further provide valuable insights into the significance of the findings. The agents can also guide you on the best course of action.
Negotiating Repairs or Adjusting the Purchase Agreement
Once you have the inspection report, it is safe to say that the ball is now in your court. You can now negotiate with the seller regarding the necessary repairs or adjustments to the purchase price. This negotiation becomes an important part that influences the overall cost and terms of the deal.
Making Informed Decisions
With the inspection report and negotiations in place, you can now easily make informed decisions. This might involve you proceeding with the transaction/purchases as-is (this is best if the inspection doesn’t find many issues). Or you can renegotiate the terms with the sellers; here, you might ask them to either pay for the repairs or decrease the stated price. Lastly, you can decide to walk away from the deal.
Finalizing the Purchase Agreement
If you don’t plan to walk away from the deal and the negotiations are complete, you can move forward with finalizing the purchase agreement. This will involve signing contracts and preparing for the closing process.
Preparing for Closing
As you approach the closing date, you must fulfill any remaining obligations. These may include securing financing, obtaining homeowner’s insurance, and conducting a final walkthrough. This final walkthrough can help ensure the property’s condition meets your expectations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, pre-purchase inspection is the best tool to help you throughout your home-buying process.
We understand that buying a home costs an arm and a leg, and you surely don’t want to put all that to waste. A pre-purchase inspection helps you secure your investment.
After scheduling a pre-purchase home inspection, you can rest easy knowing that there won’t be any unexpected surprises coming your way. And neither your home will be under any threat. This is because your entire property is now inspected and evaluated. Every part of your home is transparent right before you, from the foundation’s condition to the appliances.
If you still have any queries regarding pre-purchase home inspections, you can contact . We have experts on board who can guide you more thoroughly. While if you want to hire a home inspector for your inspection needs, we are also one of the leading home inspection companies in Fort Worth, with professional home inspectors.