Do I need a home inspection?
It is a wise choice. Buying a new home is an investment, one of the largest ones you'll ever make. A home inspection can bring more clarity to what the condition of the home is. It will help to mitigate the risk involved in such an investment.
There are many potential issues that could either go unnoticed that a home inspector is trained to uncover.
Can I inspect the home myself?
That is strongly advised against doing so. Even if you do have a lot of experience with the systems of a home, it is still advised to hire a professional home inspector.
It is too easy to become emotionally attached to a home. It's very important to have an objective party perform the inspection to provide a professional, unbiased assessment.
A professional home inspector has been trained to look for specific issues, and is familiar with a wide variety of situations.
A good home inspector knows the difference between major and minor issues. This can save you in the short and long term.
How long does a home inspection take?
A home inspection typically takes between 2 and 3 hours. It can take longer depending on the issues found and severity of them. When the physical inspection is done, a report will be provided with the issues found.
May I attend the inspection?
Most definitely! While your presence is not required, we encourage you to be present for the inspection. You'll have a much better idea of the condition of the home when you can see any issues.
You can ask questions and receive home maintenance tips — especially helpful for first-time home buyers.
If I'm selling a house, should I get a pre-listing home inspection?
It is very helpful. You are more likely to have a quick sale if the house has already been properly inspected. You can opt to provide potential buyers with a copy of the inspection report, or you can address any issues before listing the house for sale.
Major problems discovered during a home inspection may result in serious transaction delays. If you know about these problems ahead of time, you'll be in a better position for a smooth transaction.