WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN A HOME INSPECTION

​WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN A HOME INSPECTION
 
Buying a home?
If you are reading this, you probably just found the perfect home.  You have probably done the necessary paperwork and put in an offer that was just accepted.  Now what? You probably have a lot of questions about the actual condition of the home. What if the home has a ton of problems, we aren’t aware of? These worries and questions are normal! The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind and answer these questions for you. But, depending on the findings, it may have the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information over a short period of time.  Your inspection will entail a written report, including checklists and photos, and what the inspector tells you during the inspection. All of this combined with the seller's disclosure and what you notice yourself can make the experience overwhelming. What should you do?

Relax, take a deep breath.

Home inspectors are professionals, and if yours is a member of InterNACHI, then you can trust that he is among the most highly trained in the industry. Most of your inspection will be related to maintenance recommendations and minor defects. These are good to know about, but not necessarily deal killers.

However, the issues that really matter will fall into four categories:

1. Major defects, such as structural issues.
2. Conditions that can lead to major defects, such as a roof leak, broken windows, or major plumbing leaks.
3. Issues that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home if not rectified immediately.
4. Safety hazards, such as exposed, live wiring and other electrical issues.

Anything in these categories should be addressed as soon as possible. Often, a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).

Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. It’s important to realize that a seller is under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in your inspection report. No house is perfect. Keep this in mind.  Your report will be very detailed with multiple photos, illustrations, comments, and recommendations.  Most of these items are informational and can be added to the honey-do-list down the road.  Home inspection reports can be intimidating and sometimes just plain frightening.  Pay particular attention to the major defects and safety hazards.  Your real estate professional can guide you through the steps following the inspection.

Remember, it's recommended to take the time to walk through the home and the report with your inspector. This gives you the opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for what's major and what's not. This can help alleviate a lot of extra stress in this already stressful time. Homeownership is both a joyful experience and a major responsibility.  Be sure to call on your inspector to help you devise an annual maintenance plan that will keep your family safe and your home in top condition for years to come.