It’s no secret that home inspection is one of the most important aspects of the home buying process. Although some residential developments are so on point, like the 2 BHK flats for sale in Mulund West, that you would hardly find any fault with them. However, it is still important to know that a home inspection is necessary.
Moving to a new home that you have just purchased comes with this whole bunch of feelings. You are excited about your new living space. Then, there is anxiety. What if the home inspector finds something wrong? What if you can’t buy the house?
One cannot help but feel impatient. But, you need to be. Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions that you are ever going to make. You cannot skip this step.
Why? Let’s take a look:
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The Home Inspector Protects You
Home inspectors save from keeping a wrong decision. They make sure that you are not missing anything and making an informed decision. By hiring an inspector, you are doing yourself a favor. Here is a brief overview of a typical home inspection:
An inspection involves lists. The home inspector shall review the seller’s property disclosure statement before carrying on a proper inspection. The statement lists the flaws the seller himself is aware of, and that could impact the property’s value negatively. The disclosure covers things such as foundation damage, mold, pest, roof leaks, or other problems.
The inspector is going to identify the problems, suggest fixes for them, and prepare a written report. This report has photos as well. Viewing this report is important for both you and your agent. You would be using this to request repairs from the seller.
The Home Inspector Is Not Going to Check Everything
Usually, inspectors examine the house for issues that can be spotted easily such as the ones visible with the naked eye. They won’t be tearing down walls, climbing up the steep roof to find damaged/missing shingles. They would be using binoculars instead. Moreover, they may be giving you an idea of how long the roof is going to hold up, not the exact time when you should replace it.
They are going to thoroughly review the house. If they feel dampness and mold in the air, they would add water damage to the list rather than finding the source. Also, when it comes to wood-burning fireplaces, the majority of the inspectors open and close the dampers to ensure they are in working order. They also check the chimneys for any blockages or bird nests.
You Have to Run a Background Check
Now you know who a home inspector is and what he is going to do, it’s time to connect to someone who is going to take care of all the tasks mentioned above efficiently. Your real estate agent could be of great help to you in this step. They can make a recommendation of reputable home inspectors to you.
You can also ask friends and family. Someone might be able to suggest a home inspector they have dealt with before. Last but not the least, you can search for reliable and professional inspectors on the internet. Once you have decided to hire one, meet with them, and ask them some questions.
Ask them about their license or certification.
- How long have they been in the business? See that you get someone with at least 5 years of experience. This points to their experience in the field.
- Ask about their charges. The costs they charge varies according to the size of your house and the location.
- You should know what you will get out of spending money. Ask them what they are going to check. Also, ask them if you could see a sample report. This way you can gauge their thoroughness and see their attention to detail.
- Usually, it takes about five to seven days to get the report. But you should ask them as well. However, there are a few home inspectors that provide you with the inspection reports within 24 hours of inspecting the property.
As a buyer, you need to adopt a practical and realistic approach. How much repair work are you willing to do yourself? Talk about how you feel. This is the point where you would feel under pressure from the seller, your agent, and the inspector as well. If something seems unfit, talk about it. Although super luxury apartments in Mumbai are no less than a heaven for most, home inspection happens to be a necessary part of home buying. Trust your gut, trust your inspector, and then make a decision.