7 Reasons Why You Should Not Forgo a Home Inspection

 

Inspecting a home

Searching for the ideal residence can be an exciting experience filled with browsing through listings, exploring different neighborhoods, and visiting open houses. But the process can be overwhelming too, with so many factors to consider like having a great location, the best amenities, and an affordable cost. When you finally come across a property that meets all your criteria, it may feel like you've found your perfect home. However, before signing on the dotted line, it's essential to include an inspection contingency in your contract. This precautionary measure can prevent significant headaches and financial loss down the road. Once you've reached an agreement to purchase a home, it's crucial to arrange for a professional inspection by a qualified home inspector.  The inspector, using their expertise, will thoroughly inspect the entire property, from the roof to the foundation, evaluating its systems, all of the equipment, as well as the overall structure for proper function and any possible issues. While a home inspection may have a cost,  the benefits it provides can more than outweigh the expense. Before finalizing the purchase of a property, it's important to gain a comprehensive understanding of the home's overall condition.

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The following are 7 reasons why a home inspection should not be skipped:

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1. Find Deal-Breakers

A house can appear to be perfect at first glance, but there may be hidden structural or technical issues that can be costly to repair. These can be issues related to structure, electrical wiring, roofing, heating and cooling systems, and plumbing. A thorough home inspection can uncover any potential problems and provide valuable insight before committing to the purchase. Including an inspection contingency in the contract allows for the option to back out if major issues are discovered, or if you are still interested in the property despite the issues, you can ask the seller to fix the problems before the closing date. In some cases, if the buyer truly loves the home, they may choose to proceed with the purchase and negotiate with the seller to cover the cost of repairs or offer a credit. Most sellers will agree to it.

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2. Safety Issues

An in-depth inspection of a property can uncover potential hazards, such as the presence of dangerous substances like mold, carbon monoxide, and radon. These issues, if left unchecked, can cause serious health risks for the occupants of the home. It is important to identify these hazards before officially becoming the homeowner, to avoid any issues and future costly repairs.

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3. Prepare For Potential Expensive Repairs

Even though a home's systems and appliances may seem to be in good working condition, they could be nearing the end of their expected lifespan. A professional inspector can assess the age and a home's system as well as equipment condition and provide an estimate of when they might be required to be replaced or repaired. This information can be useful in budgeting for future repairs or in negotiating the price of the home. Although it may not be a deciding factor in whether to proceed with the purchase or not, it can help you make an informed decision and plan for any necessary expenses.

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4. Expose Illegal Additions

When buying a new home, it's important to consider the condition of the property beyond the cosmetic features. One aspect that is often overlooked is the legal compliance of any additional rooms or spaces in the house. While a finished basement or an extra room can enhance the appeal of a home, it could also be a potential source of legal trouble if it was added or finished without obtaining the proper permits or following the building codes. A professional home inspector can check for any illegal additions, such as rooms, basements, and garages, which could cause issues with property taxes and home insurance. Moreover, these illegal additions can make it challenging for you to do any future renovations or even increase the risk of safety hazards. By having a thorough home inspection, you'll have the opportunity to address any legal issues before the purchase, negotiate with the seller or even back out of the deal if necessary.

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5. Easy To Get Insurance

Home insurance is an important consideration for any property purchase; however, many insurance companies are reluctant to provide coverage for homes that have not undergone a certified inspection. This is because insurance companies aim to minimize their risk, and they want to ensure that a home is in good condition before they provide coverage. They do not want to take the risk of insuring a home that may require costly repairs in the future.

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6. Learn How To Safeguard Your Investment

It is beneficial to accompany the inspector during the home inspection process. Not only will you get the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the property, but the inspector can also provide valuable insight on how to properly maintain the entire home, its equipment, and its system. This knowledge can help you save your hard-earned money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs due to a lack of maintenance.

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7. Negotiate

Home inspections often uncover issues that may need to be addressed. While some of these issues may be minor, they can still be used as leverage in the negotiation process. If you are still interested in purchasing the home, you can use the identified issues as a means to negotiate a lower purchase price. A home inspection can give you real peace of mind and help you make an informed decision when buying a home.   It is never a good decision to skip the home inspection. Call us today!