What You Need to Know about Inspections as a Home Buyer

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

Just as you check out a car on a dealership lot before buying, a home inspection is similar. You can think of an inspection as a health check-up for your future investment, ensuring you’re aware of any potential issues before finalizing the purchase. Let’s go over what you can inspect from this important homebuying step!

What is an Inspection?

An inspection is an assessment of a property’s safety and quality. An inspector will visually assess a home’s physical structure, HVAC and electrical systems, plumbing, and exterior elements. You can expect the home’s roof, ceilings, walls, floors, windows, doors, and basement to all be examined as well.

The goal of an inspection is to uncover issues with the home itself, but not as a risk-assessment. Your home inspection will help you make an informed decision about going through with the home sale.

Who is Responsible for an Inspection?

The buyer is expected to pay for the inspection during a home sale after the seller has accepted their offer, but before the buy is finalized. To provide enough time for additional negotiations, it’s best to schedule your inspection as soon as possible once you’re under contract.

Be sure to do your research and read reviews before committing to an inspector. Experts recommend choosing a professional who has your best interest and safety in mind.

What Happens During an Inspection?

A home inspection includes a detailed walk-through of the property. Don’t be nervous if it takes several hours—your inspector should be as thorough as possible! As your inspector moves room to room, they will take notes and photographs to include in their final report. Keep in mind, your inspector will not be able to detect the unseen. Areas that aren’t readily accessible, such as the attic or crawl spaces, may require specialized evaluations.

As the homebuyer, you’re typically allowed to attend the inspection. Before it begins, ask how you can get the most out of the experience without getting in the way of the professional.

What is Included in an Inspection Report?

Your inspection report may include summaries, photographs, checklists, and additional notes. An inspection isn’t a pass or fail exam and no fixes are mandatory after an inspection. However, your inspector may include some estimations on when the home’s major systems will need to be replaced.

Home Sweet Home

Just as an inspection helps uncover would-be surprises about a home, a reliable mortgage lender can help educate you during the home financing process. Contact us to be paired with a Loan Originator that will help you from application until post-closing!