Many buyers request a home inspection as a condition of their offer. While a home inspector will dig more deeply into the house than a buyer, all the preparation you made before listing your house helps you be ready for the inspection so there are no surprises. Before the home inspector visits, we’ll also provide you with personalized advice plus we typically like to be on-site during the actual inspection.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is a thorough review of your home’s structure and systems by a professional home inspector. A buyer can use the inspection report to decide to rescind their offer if a major issue is uncovered or to request repairs if the contract is contingent on a satisfactory report. Sometimes a dollar limit for repairs has been written into the offer. In other cases, a home inspection is solely for the buyer’s information and can’t be used to negotiate.
What is looked at during a home inspection?
The inspector will check:
- Structural conditions, such as the foundation, beams, and floors.
- Roof condition.
- Mechanical systems, such as heat and air conditioning.
- Appliances to make sure they’re working, although some inspectors skip appliances that are not built-in.
- Plumbing for leaks, rust, and water pressure.
- Electrical systems, such as grounded outlets and code violations.
- Safety issues, such as stairs, handrails, mold, or chimney maintenance.
What’s not looked at during a home inspection?
The inspector won’t check some items that are unusual or inaccessible, such as:
- Septic systems.
- Wells.
- Underground pipes and sprinkler systems.
- Swimming pools and spas.
- Playground equipment.
How should I prepare for an inspection?
Before the home inspector arrives, you should:
- Clean your house.
- Remove or crate your pets.
- Make sure all the lightbulbs work.
- Empty the washing machine, dryer, oven, and dishwasher.
- Make sure everything is accessible, including your attic, crawlspace, garage, and any sheds.
- Leave a note if anything doesn’t work and explain if you’re getting it fixed.
- Provide documents about maintenance and repairs.
- Leave your phone number for the inspector.
- Leave the house during the inspection window.
What happens now?
Once the inspection report has been generated, we’ll discuss how to handle any possible issues in the report. We can negotiate with the buyer, decide to fix an item, provide money for the buyer to fix it, or provide documentation showing the problem has already been addressed. Again, we have lots of experience in this area and will be right by your side!