Buyer’s and Seller’s guide to the home inspection

by Addison Corbin Jan. 16th 2018

What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is performed typically for the buyer of a property, however we are seeing a lot more sellers are choosing to have the home inspected prior to listing their home, in order to expedite the inspection process and perform repairs before they become an issue. In general, your inspection report will state conditions in the structural components of a home, visible to the inspector or evident during normal operation of mechanical components.

What should your inspector inspect?

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  Enter all accessible attics and crawl spaces

  
  


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  Operate appliances, furnaces, air conditioners, and water heaters

  
  


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  Open and inspect windows and doors

  
  


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  Run all plumbing

  
  


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  Inspect all interior spaces

  
  


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  Remove electrical panel cover and check lights and receptacles

  
  


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  Inspect the roof and foundation, where reasonable

  
  

Inspect your inspector:

In many areas of the U.S. and Canada where there are licensing requirements, your inspector should be licensed. Outside of those areas, and even in licensed areas to ensure quality, look for the Certified Inspection Expert logo, as well as things they offer as a part of their inspection such as a Recallchek report, 90 day warranty, and sewergard protection –  this will be free of charge from qualified inspectors.

Buyers: I usually will encourage all buyers to attend the inspection. You should ask as many questions that come to mind while in the home. Normally you will get a written report of the whole inspection including pictures, and a list of the main issues (if any).

Sellers: Typically I ask a seller not to be there. (Outside of the pre-listing inspection.) Here is why:

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  If you were to give input as a seller at the inspection, it might be considered as a disclosure and could create potential legal issues later.

  
  


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  It is a courtesy to the buyer to give them this time and the less interference the better.

  
  

Time:

Depending on the size of the home, the inspection could go quickly or could take several hours. For buyers with time constraints that want to be involved in the process, it is acceptable to show up toward the end of the inspection to get the summary of the inspection.

Types of inspections:

Every inspection company will have multiple of different services. It is always a good idea to go over these options with your realtor. Below is a list of typical services home inspection companies do:

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  Full Structural and Mechanical Inspections.

  
  


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  Termite inspections

  
  


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  Roof inspections

  
  


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  Partial inspections

  
  


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  Mold Inspections

  
  


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  FHA/VA Certifications

  
  


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  Pools

  
  


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  Sprinklers

  
  


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  Infrared

  
  


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  Radon

  
  

Addison! What if I am buying a New Construction? Should I get it inspected?

YES!!! The process is slightly different with a new construction, and involves up to three phases. An inspection at each phases of the process.

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  First is Foundation phase –  Inspection of the footings, foundations, and concrete floors.

  
  


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  Second is Pre-Drywall phase – Inspection of electrical, plumbing, framing, and heating runs.

  
  


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  Third Phase is the Final phase – Inspection of the full mechanical and structural inspection. (Prior to closing)

  
  

 You’ve received your home inspection report now what?

Review your report and go over the main issues page of the report. If you have any question about the report you can call the inspector for answers.

Time to consult your agent:

This is my favorite part of the whole process! This is where your agent gets to earn his or her worth! Once the inspection has been performed and the report generated, it is time for the buyer to meet with their agent to create a response to the seller.

We now get to use the inspection report and a few of the concerns to negotiate with the seller to come to a conclusion that makes both sides happy.

The idea is to have the buyers concerns addressed and remedied before closing on the home.

P.S.

It is always a good idea to ask your agent before the negotiations to add in a Home Warranty. A home warranty is important because it allows the buyer to have a sense of comfort knowing that if any major issues do arise after closing they are covered for a small warranty fee v.s. A large replacement fee of let’s just say a 4,000 dollar A/C unit!

by Addison Corbin Jan. 16th 2018