A home inspector can make you feel as if you are getting a background investigation on a person you have just begun dating. You may feel pessimistic or pushy, or worry that sellers will view you as a high-maintenance buyer and choose someone less demanding.
We are here to be your voice of reason and assure you that a home inspection in Canon City, CO is what you should do. Home inspections can make you more informed buyers and save you money. Here are 17 tips to help you calm your nerves and make the process as smooth as possible.
1: Get one
While some problems may be detected by a home inspection, others, such as radon gas, poor insulation, and substandard electrical wiring, (to name just a few!) require professional work. It takes professional help to detect.
A multiple-award-winning agent who spoke with us about the nitty-gritty of the home inspection process, says not to worry a good agent will provide you with a list of at least three tried-and-tested home inspectors to pick from. The cost of a home inspection is but well worth it.
2: Include it in the contract and make sure that you understand all the parameters
You will then present the contract to the seller once you have decided to make an offering. This contract will include clauses. Make sure a clause for a home inspection is included! If you are getting a mortgage, an home inspection is likely to be required.
Experts strongly recommend that you get an inspection even if your home is being purchased with cash. After you sign your contract, be sure to pay attention to any time-based parameters that your contingency agreement includes. After the purchase agreement has been signed, you will have a period of between one week and ten days to complete the inspection . can then decide how to proceed with any issues. Early bird, worm etc.
3: Look around yourself first
You can identify some of the issues the inspector is looking for by yourself. You can identify water stains, cracks, doors and windows that won’t close or open properly, leaking or corroded pipe, and lights that aren’t turning on right away.
Look under the sinks in the kitchen and bathroom for any water. Flush the toilets and turn on all taps and the shower. Look for water and pests in the attic and basement. In all rooms, close and open doors and check for cracks or water stains.
4: Prepare yourself for any problems
In the same vein, let’s return to our metaphor of a background check: No one is perfect. Inspections are looking for many things. From big problems to simple fixes. And even the perfect house will have . We said that the “home inspection” is a very educational process. This means both she and the inspector have a responsibility to inform rather than scare potential buyers. Be prepared that your inspector will find a problem. When they do, you should be prepared to calmly discuss your options with both your inspector and agent.
5: Be present
If you’ve taken our advice in tip no. You should have already prepared a list of questions and observations for your inspector. Next, you have to be there and ask them.
Listen to the inspector’s comments about the issue at hand and prepare to ask questions. Ask for an explanation if you don’t fully understand what the inspector is saying.
6: Ask lots of questions
We encourage you! We urge you! Ask so many questions!
Buyers – especially new buyers – may feel embarrassed about asking too many questions at the time, because they do not want to appear uninformed or assume that they can follow up later.
Asking questions when the inspector is at the house can be a valuable resource. It allows the inspector to explain their meaning and show you in real time where and what the issues are.
7: Don’t be in the way
you should ask follow-ups and make a list, but you also need to allow the home inspector to do his job. As with most professions, the inspector needs some peace and silence to be able to perform their job. Distracting the inspector will have its own consequences.
We want to stress the importance of asking them questions. But we don’t want to overwhelm them with all your concerns. A little space can go a long way, just like in romance.
8: Allow ample time for inspection
You should add 20-30 minutes to the inspector’s time for delays, traffic or other scheduling issues.
You shouldn’t plan your home inspection at 9 am if you are confident that it will be a quick and easy process. Then, plan to arrive for brunch at 11 am. Don’t rush this process. Be there throughout.
9: Hire a qualified inspector
It should go without saying, yet we will say it: work with someone who excels at their job. You should be able to select from a minimum of three inspectors that your agent will provide.
You should still check reviews, and inquire about the agent’s experience and certification. (Certification requirements vary from state to state). Ask for a sample inspection report and confirm the inspector’s willingness to have you present during the inspection.
10: Take pictures
Inspectors will take photos as proof for any problems. A multiple-award-winning agent, underlines the importance of photographs:
Photographs are crucial to the communication between buyer and seller. They ensure that the right thing is addressed.
These pictures will be included in your final report and will serve to remind you (and the inspector) of the severity of the issue. Continue to follow tip number. While continuing to observe tip no.
11: Bring binoculars
Use them on the roof. The roof can be difficult to reach or even dangerous during a home evaluation.
You can see the inspector’s findings up close and personal without having to go up to them. When bringing binoculars, the most important factor is their zoom or magnification feature. The first number in the specification of your binoculars will tell you how much zoom they have. For example, binoculars 13×50 zoom up by 13 times.
12: Be on the lookout for cosmetic updates
Recently updated properties are often seen on the market. Depending on the type, cosmetic updates could hide something more sinister.
A new coat of paint can hide cracks or water damage in the ceiling. Recent remodeling in a room may indicate recent electrical issues or past flooding. You don’t have to assume that every new paint job is a sign of mold, but you should be on the lookout for any signs of it.
13: Find out how long the large items will last
Ask the seller or inspector about the age of major appliances and systems. Even if a seller claims that all appliances and systems have always worked well, you can save a lot of money by knowing the age (and longevity) of the major appliances.
If your HVAC, plumbing and appliances like furnaces, water heating systems and washers fail, you could be out a lot of money. Every system and appliance has a lifespan. Plan accordingly by knowing where they are in the timeline from birth to death.
14: Consider adding additional inspections
You may want to have a special inspection done on your home if the inspector has found issues.
Specialty inspections can be ordered at an additional cost. Specialty inspections tend to be regionally specific. For instance, in Philadelphia and Upstate New York where radon issues are common, special radon checks are available.
It may seem burdensome to extend the inspection process (and pay more for it ) but a special inspection will give you an accurate estimate of costs and timelines.
15: Now that you have your report, read it
It’s tempting to ask for a summary of the report, but it is likely that the inspector will use technical language you don’t understand. You can leave the report in your mailbox or on your desk. Do not do this!
Read the damn report . You paid for it, and you’ll find more information in the report than your inspector could possibly provide during a short conversation. So make yourself a coffee, Google the things you don’t understand and .
You will finish this book more informed and well-literate about the issues facing your home than you were before. We guarantee it.
16: Discuss next steps with your agent
As expected, some issues were found during the inspection. You can either ask for a refund, a credit or a repair depending on the issue. We explains that she helps buyers navigate between cosmetic concerns and safety concerns.
I think that the biggest problem is to ask for too much. The home they are getting is far below the value of new homes and they realize that older homes will have challenges.
Talk to your agent and listen to their advice. The agent should be able to help you find the right balance to bring up important issues while letting minor cosmetic things slide. This will allow you to stay on track with a price and timeline that works for you and your seller.
17: Document all repairs
It is important to make sure that all repairs that are required before the sale can be finalized , actually happen.
Be specific when agreeing with the seller on a necessary repair. This will ensure that both parties are in agreement about the repair. Even if the seller says that they have completed a repair, you should still get documentation.
Final Tip
You should not let your nerves or doubts take over during a home inspection. Home inspections should be informative, illuminating and, at the end, calming when done with the right inspector and agent.
Knowledge is power. Knowing more about a house will make you a happier and wiser owner for years to come. Nothing says “I love you every inch” like a calmly conducted, meticulously handled and professional home inspection.
