What is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is an examination of the condition and safety of the real estate property. It provides an opportunity for the buyer to identify any major issues with the home before closing. If issues go unnoticed before the sale goes through, you might have to pay thousands of dollars to fix them later, so it’s critical to not skip this step in the home buying process.

The home inspection is so important, that it can be used as a contingency in your contract with the seller. This means that if the home inspection reveals significant defects, you can back out of your purchase offer free of penalty during a specific timeframe. It’s not rare that homes have serious problems causing buyers to walk away from a contract. In fact, it can even newly built houses can have serious problems.

How Does a Home Inspection Work?

It’s important to address some important questions of the home inspection process

1. Who pays for the inspection?

Typically the home buyer pays for the home inspection. They hire a professional home inspector to take a look at the entire house, from the roof to the foundation.

2. How much does a home inspection cost?

A home inspection typically costs anywhere between $250- $450, depending on the size of the house. Other variables such as the age of the home and city it resides in are factors that could cause the cost of an inspection to rise. For example, a home inspection in Los Angeles may cost $1,000 or more. The purchase price of the home is not a determinant of inspection cost.

3. When does the home inspection happen?

Within a few days of the property going under contract, a home inspection will take place. Sometimes a realtor will help schedule the home inspection.

4. How long does a home inspection take?

An inspection typically takes around two to three hours, depending on the type of home.

What Is Covered During a Home Inspection?

Home inspections may vary greatly, but here are some areas you should not miss inspecting:

• Safety: Ensuring all operating fire and carbon monoxide alarms, fire sprinklers, stairs, guardrails
• Grounds: Leaks from septic tanks, condition of driveway, fences and sidewalks
• Roof: Ensure gutters are working properly, inspect condition of shingles, clear vents, and chimney
• Structural elements: Inspect visible foundation for evidence of sagging or bowing, floors ceilings, stairs and windows
• Attic: ensue sufficient insulation and proper ventilation, look for any water damage
• Plumbing: Check for damaged or leaking pipes, hot water temperature as well as fully functioning toilets, sinks, bathtubs and showers
• Electric system: Up-to-code condition, and proper function of circuit breakers, outlets, light fixtures and fans
• Appliances: Properly functioning stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, washer, dryer and any other appliances
• Garage: proper functioning outlets, solid foundation, roof condition, working garage door opener, up-to-code electrical system
• Heating and cooling systems: Review condition of furnace, air conditioning, water heater, chimney and fireplaces
• Basement: check for signs of water damage as well as ensuring solid foundation, walls and flooring
• Insulation and ventilation: Ensure insulation in unfinished attic and foundation areas

Do You Have to Get a Home Inspection?

The simple answer is no. Although home inspections are not required during the purchase of a home, it is always a great idea to have an inspection prior to purchasing.

A home inspection will give you a solid picture of what you are walking into when you buy and move into a new house. Considering a home is such a large investment, its important to try and avoid substantial hidden costs of repairing, renovating, or replacing and major or minor structure, plumbing, electrical, appliances, fixtures, etc. Skipping the inspection could result in numerous hidden costs.

When Does the Home Inspection Take Place?

The buyer’s inspection should happen after they make an offer to a seller and the seller accepts the terms, but before the sales contract is signed and money transferred.

Some buyer’s elect to have the inspection take place after the signing of the contract, but this can stretch out the in-contract period longer because further negotiations may become drawn out. This also could result in a total redraft of the contract where all parties must sign again.

Therefore, it is recommended the inspection takes place before the contracts are signed so necessary negotiations can happen prior to going into contract.

How to Find a Home Inspector?

It is important to be extremely comfortable with your home inspector, as they are extremely important in helping detect major pitfalls in the home buying process.

Hyponia allows home buyers to connect with numerous home inspectors to determine which inspector fits their unique needs.

Hyponia connects Home Buyers and Home Inspectors

Hyponia is connecting active home buyers with Home Inspectors on our easy-to-use real estate platform. Home buyers can easily request quotes from top rated professionals to help find the professional that best suits their needs. Get started today.