We’ve been told all our lives never to judge a book by its cover; the same goes for a home you would like to purchase. It may be your dream home when you walk through each room and have a surface view, but it may turn out to be a bad investment after having a home inspection.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is completed by a professional who is trained to examine a home to find anything that may be damaged or cause damage to the home. This involves looking at the home closely, so they can see more than the naked eye. Professionals may have to get on the roof and in crawlspaces in order to do a complete inspection.
It typically costs around $700 for a home inspection. Some buyers may want to skip this step to save some money, but spending a few hundred dollars instead of a few thousand to fix a problem in the house is safest.
What do Inspectors Look For?
A residential inspection is the most common inspection done before purchasing a home. This involves the inspector examining the structure of the home, insulation, ventilation, plumbing, the roof, the exterior of the home, electrical, and plumbing. This general inspection is pretty straightforward.
Once the inspector has completed his examination of the home, he will send a report to the home buyer suggesting what should be repaired and the severity of the problems he has found.
Termite and Wood Inspection
Though termites are pesky little insects, they can cause major damage to a home. They can cause structural damage to the property, which can include the damage of wooden floors, furniture, and ceilings.
These problems are mostly only noticed once the infestation has become out of hand. It’s best to have a certified home inspector come in and take a look before the situation gets out of hand. The damage caused by termites is costly and definitely something you do not want to deal with after purchasing a home.
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Radon Detection
Radon is an odorless gas that is mostly found in basements. It can cause harm to your health if overly exposed to it. Though it is a natural gas, it needs to be at certain levels in order you to be unaffected.
The test for radon detection is simple. The inspector will bring in a radon detection kit and will set it up in the basement for a certain amount of time, usually 24 hours. He will then collect the kit and send it off to a lab for the results.
If the radon levels are found to be high, there are solutions. They may be costly though.
What Happens if Repairs Must Be Made?
After a home inspection is completed, buyers will have a chance to renegotiate terms. There are a couple of different options when it comes to repairs. The buyer can ask the seller to fix it before the day of settlement, paying out of pocket. If the buyer does not want to be responsible for repairs, they may give the buyer a seller credit, which is money that is deducted from the amount of the house or settlement costs.
There are multiple ways to deal with a home that needs repairs. Don’t let a home inspector scare you off when he says that repairs need to be made. If they are small and won’t effect the house too much, go ahead and buy your dream home!
Looking for a Home?
Before scheduling a home inspection, you have to be ready to buy a home and find one! If you’re looking to buy a new home, contact us today to schedule a Home Buyer Consultation with Philadelphia’s leading real estate agent, Agent Lady.
About Agent Lady: Cherise Wynne is a leading real estate agent in Philadelphia, helping home buyers and sellers navigate the City of Brotherly Love, with a special focus on first time home buyers. To chat about getting started with your first time home buying experience, click here.
