Should You Hire a Home Inspector Before Home Buying?

Buying a home can be an exciting process, but it is important to make sure your potential new home is up to your standards. Unfortunately, there are quite a few sellers that will roughly patch up damages to their home so that potential buyers will skim by them, having the damages go unnoticed. This is where the duty of a home inspector comes in.

• What is a home inspector?

The job of a home inspector is to go through every inch of the house and make sure there is nothing wrong. They examine walls, roofs, floors, plumbing, electrical outlets, and more. By doing so, they can ensure the structural integrity of the home and note the expected remaining lifespan of the structural features of a home.  When they come across an issue, they make sure to take note of it so you can have documentation of damages to the home.

• Why do you need one?

By hiring a home inspector, you can negotiate the price of the home down using the inspection report as a reasoning. The price of a home inspection typically ranges from $200 to $500, but it is important to remember that an inspection typically pays for itself as a single item needing repair can range anywhere in the same price range. Also, having the damages discovered beforehand prevents it from further developing and leading to a greater loss of money in the future.

• Who should you hire?

Try and avoid hiring an inspector through the seller. This can create a conflict of interest and you may be snubbed out of getting all the damages noted on your inspection report. You should find an inspector that is reputable with proper licensing and, most importantly, someone that you trust. If you feel weary about finding an inspector on your own, it can be beneficial to work with your real estate agent that may be familiar with some in your area.  

Many home inspectors have a standard list that they use to examine the house. While many of them go through all aspects of the home, including pests and foundations, it will ultimately depend on your location and their accreditations. Make sure to discuss with your potential home inspector the checklist they go through so that you can see if you need to hire another professional alongside them, such as someone that can examine your septic tank or check for termites and other infestations.  

Home inspectors are extremely beneficial when it comes to buying a new home. By using their services, you have the potential to negotiate the price of your home and avoid a hefty cost trying to repair the damages in the future. It is always a good idea to tour the home before an inspector comes so that you can point out and discuss any worries you may have.