June 15, 2023
The home inspection is the next step after you make an offer.
While walking through the house will give you an idea of how it can work for you, you should do more research to ensure that the foundation, structural framework, and electrical system are all in good condition.
What exactly is a house inspection?
A home inspection, according to the Mesa Society of Home Inspectors is “an objective, visual examination of a house’s physical structure, systems, and components, from the roof down to the foundation”.
Who has the responsibility of finding a home inspection?
It is in your best interests as the person responsible for buying a house to hire a licensed and reputable home inspector to perform a thorough home inspection. It’s likely that your realtor can recommend an inspector, but you should do some research and find someone who you trust.
How do I find a home inspection
An inexperienced or novice home inspector may fail to identify your home’s potential problems, which could end up costing you thousands of dollars down the line. What to look for in a Home Inspection in Mesa:
Home inspectors should be insured and licensed. Did you know not all states require home inspectors be licensed? Do not assume that because someone has a title, they are licensed. Home inspectors are held to high standards by the Mesa Society of Home Inspectors. They also allow future homeowners to search their database for home inspectors.
Ask for referrals. Referrals from clients who are satisfied with the work performed by the home inspector can be worth their weight. Do not hesitate to contact references.
A sample inspection report is a good way to gauge the quality of work your potential home inspector does. You can get an idea of how thorough your prospective home inspector is by viewing an inspection report.
The role of a home inspector in the home buying process is crucial. Hire someone who has been licensed, insured and is knowledgeable to investigate your home.
What should the inspector look for?
The inspection should include all major systems of your home, as well as the foundation, electrical and structural framework. Here is a comprehensive list of things your home inspector must examine.
Home Inspection Checklist
Components for structural and foundation components
The structural integrity of your house will be assessed. The structural components of your home include the attic, roof, crawlspace and foundation.
Exterior and Property
The inspector will check the exterior of your home for any signs of decay and issues relating to paint or materials used.
Your inspector will also inspect the windows and call attention to any cracks, caulking or sill. The doors, garage door, gutters and deck of your home will be inspected.
Electrical
The inspector will turn on all the lights, check every outlet, and ensure that your electrical system is in working order.
The Plumbing
The water heater in your new home, the water pump, and the temperature of the water will be checked. Moreover, all leaks are reported, and pipes, drains, and waste systems will be checked.
Bathroom
Your inspector will turn on all the faucets and check to see if they are working properly. Your toilet will also be flushed to ensure it is working correctly.
Kitchen
The inspector will spend time in your home, checking that all major appliances are working properly. They’ll also make sure that the outlets are safe in your kitchen, check under the sink for any links, and examine all cabinets and drawers.
Heating and A/C
Your home’s heating and air conditioning system, as well your fireplace and chimney will be assessed. Inspectors will check to see if the home is able to heat and cool properly, as well as evaluate the ductwork and filters.
Who is the best person to attend a home inspection?
Attending the home inspection is not mandatory, but it is in your best interests. It is mandatory that your Realtor attend the home inspection and be present for the entire inspection.
You can use the home inspection as a way to familiarize yourself with your new house. You don’t have to follow the inspector up into the attic but you should be there so they can explain any problems or show you the systems of the house.
What is the cost of a home inspection?
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), you can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for an inspection.
You’ll have to pay more for a home inspector who has experience, as opposed to someone who is just getting started. If you are buying a home that is larger than the average, then you should expect to pay more. Don’t forget that a home inspection can be very important. So don’t choose your inspector based on the price.
Who pays a home inspection bill?
The buyer is responsible for paying the cost of the home inspection unless otherwise agreed. It is in the best interest of the buyer to have a home inspected, so it’s only logical that they would be responsible for paying.
The cost of the home inspection does not count towards your closing costs. The home inspector will be paid directly by you at the end of the inspection.
What home inspections don’t cover
Inspectors will only inspect what they see. Your inspector will not notice a pipe that is about to burst because of faulty plumbing. You shouldn’t expect an inspector to remove walls, ceilings and floor coverings.
This list includes other items that will not be included in your inspection report.
- Swimming pools and hottubs
- Appliances
- Pest Control Issues
- Blockage of electrical outlets or panels by heavy furniture
- Septic system
- Chimneys and fireplaces
- Exterior Grounds
Remember that an inspection of a house is visible. If the inspector cannot see it, then they will not be able to inspect it. You can help by moving heavy furniture away from walls so that electrical problems can be seen.
Remember that home inspectors may not be experts in all fields. You should call a specialist if you have concerns about an old swimming pool, an old chimney, or even plumbing problems.
What happens when you receive the report?
Your home inspector will send you a detailed report shortly after the inspection.
You should review the report and schedule a phone call or meeting with your Realtor so that you can discuss the findings of the inspector.
Your home inspection report will help you make decisions. You may decide to walk away if you find serious problems. You may not be concerned about the seriousness of the issue, but still want the seller to address it before the closing date. You could even ask for an allowance to cover large-ticket items you will fix once you move in.
Working with your Realtor is a great idea. You can trust their knowledge of what’s reasonable and what isn’t. Just because you dislike the color of the door doesn’t make it reasonable to ask for the seller to repaint. Do not focus on small cosmetic issues.
Your Realtor will make requests to the seller once you decide how to proceed.
Do you have the right to request an inspection of your home before making an offer?
Home inspections are usually conducted after an offer has been made. However, prospective buyers may benefit from having one done before they make a bid. Early knowledge of the results can solidify your decision and give you confidence to make a strong bid.
An inspection can help you stand out from the competition if you’re in a race to buy your dream home. You may be able submit an offer with no inspection condition if you are happy with the results of your inspection. This will reassure the seller that you are confident in your offer and won’t reduce it during negotiations.
Some sellers will not allow an early inspection because they might be forced to disclose certain problems to other buyers if they become aware of them. Many sellers welcome the idea of a pre-purchase inspection, as it allows them to be aware of any potential issues that are likely to arise.
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