When buying a home, you get the chance to take a look at the interior and exterior of a property and decide whether it’s right for you. A home inspection gives you the chance to find the things that might not be readily apparent at first glance (and which might quickly become more pressing concerns). Though not a requirement, having a home inspection done will keep you from costly repairs, renovations, and updates that you might not have been ready to make right off the bat.
Home buying is a big decision and a big investment. You don’t want to spend more than you have to. So why should you spend that $200-$500 in order to have someone inspect the house you’re thinking about buying? Because home inspections can protect you from spending significantly more on renovations that even the seller might not be aware of.
There are several benefits to home inspections, but in this article we’re going to be focusing on 3 specifically:
- Home inspections help keep you safe
- They help you save money
- Home inspections keep you informed and give you freedom to walk away
It Helps Keep You Safe
Whether you are considering buying a well-established home or a newly constructed one, a home inspection can unveil safety-issues. If left untreated, they could potentially get even worse, costing you in money and peace-of-mind.
Under general wear and tear, a previously lived-in home might develop troubles such as:
- Electricity and wiring
- Roofing
- HVAC
- Sewage
- Mold growth
- Foundational issues
While it might not appear as though a home inspection on a newly constructed home is necessary, it is in fact highly recommended. In fact, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) recommends that a newly built home have anywhere from 2-3 inspections between the pouring of the foundation and the first occupants moving in.
A home inspection on a new construction might reveal:
- Structural defects
- Issues with plumbing and sewage
- Improperly sealed windows
- Problems with heating and cooling systems
- Electrical or wiring issues
- Ductwork defects
- Insufficient insulation
That’s just the beginning of what a home inspector might search for, ranging from inconvenient to dangerously unhealthy. The inspector will thoroughly search the property, make a detailed report of the existing problems, and present it to you. From there you can approach the seller, along with your real estate agent, and demand that the problems be resolved before a deal is made, or else some sort of credit be arranged.
Keeps You From Throwing Away Money
An inspector examines systems like plumbing, heating and cooling, and other equipment (kitchen fixtures, washers and dryers, and water heaters). They can then give an educated estimate about the condition of the systems, installation age, and approximately how close they are to needing to be replaced.
Having a general idea of when those systems will require replacement can help you budget in the long-term. In turn, you can have better management of your finances and preparation to make the most cost-effective decisions.
What’s more, the information found in a home inspection report gives you the ability to ask for repairs before you buy or perhaps even ask for a price reduction all together. Of course, you should consult with your realtor to determine what would be the most appropriate and effective request to make.
Home inspectors can be great sources of information if you utilize them. Investopedia.com advises that you should request consultation on ways to preserve the integrity of the home in the long-term in order to save time, effort, and potentially thousands of dollars in repairs and renovations.
Keeps You Informed And Gives You Freedom To Walk Away
If you’re looking for a home that is being sold “as-is” or was previously foreclosed, you stand a lot to gain from having a home inspection performed. When a property has been foreclosed and uninhabited for a time, they stand a greater chance of showing things like:
- Deterioration
- Mold
- Rust
- Termite damage
It’s even common for copper plumbing from a foreclosed house to be taken from the property and sold. A home inspection will inform you of the extent of damages, missing pieces, and more. That means you can know exactly what you’d be purchasing, helping you make a final buying decision.
Regardless of whether you’re buying a new home, a previously lived-in one, or a foreclosed property, home inspections can help you decide how much money, time, and work you want to invest in your future home.
The upside to home inspections is that they generally allow you the ability to walk away from a potential deal. There is usually a contingency tied to inspections that if extensive issues are discovered, you can back out the deal, without penalty, so long as it’s inside a defined timeframe.
If You’re Looking For Premier Eden Valley Real Estate, Then Call Destination Properties
Home inspections can give you confidence that you’re finding the right place for you. If one has not already been performed, you are totally in your right to request one. In that way you can know what you’re looking at, and plan accordingly.
Now is the time to find yourself a home that you’ll love. You deserve to find properties that you can have confidence in. That is what you’ll get from going with Destination Properties. Our experienced realtors know the importance of showing houses that meet the highest quality standards, which means that you can find homes that you’ll love.
Get started today on finding your dream home. You can search real estate from all sections of the Ogden Valley and work with a real estate agent who will personally guide you through the home buying process. If you have any questions, you can contact us at 801.745.2009 or info(at)destinationpropertiesutah(dotted)com.