Importance of Keeping Your Home Inspection Report

You will have to deal with many expenses and tasks in order to buy a home. You may have a list of things you don’t want to compromise on, and what is important for the house and neighborhood. Although not mandatory, a home inspection is highly recommended. You should have a home inspection for several reasons. Also, you should save the report. Who pays for the home inspection? Buyers are usually the ones who get to know the house and receive an impartial evaluation. It is also important to keep the report to show contractors and repairmen so that they can know what repairs are needed. Take a look.

Why Do You Need A Home Inspection Service?

A potential buyer who is looking to purchase a house should have an inspection performed as soon as possible after the seller accepts their offer. It is important that you give the seller enough time to correct any problems the inspector may find. This allows both you and the seller time to agree on repairs and final prices.

It is important to have a home inspection, regardless of whether the home is an older one, a new construction, or if it is a condo. It may seem strange to have an inspection done on a brand new house, but there are defects in them and they can be built so quickly. You can have peace of mind knowing that the home you’re buying is not a “money-pit” or has major problems that aren’t visible from the outside.

It is a mistake to assume that a house with pristine exterior will have a perfect interior. It is worth the money to hire an inspector.

Different Types Of Home Inspections

Different types of home inspections exist. Standard home inspections are usually conducted. The inspection covers the electrical system, the construction, the mechanical systems and the plumbing of the house. Other home inspections are available, particularly in Prince George. There are also those that are designed to address health and safety issues.

These include:

Sewer Scope

Sewer scope inspections use a camera to check for any problems in the sewer pipes of the house.

Mold Inspection

Mold inspections are done to determine if mold is present in a home. The inspection will also determine if the home has areas that are prone to water damage or high humidity.

Wind Mitigation

Wind mitigation inspections are used to reduce the damage caused by high winds, like hurricanes. This type of inspection could lower homeowner’s insurance.

Four-Point Inspection

The roof, HVAC, electrical and plumbing are all covered by a 4-point inspection. Home insurance companies are reluctant to cover homes older than 25 years. They require the inspection to ensure that the home meets their standards.

Cost

For a home of average size, the average Prince George home inspection fee is more than $300. It may be lower for a small home while it will be higher for a larger home.

How Buyers Use The Home Inspection Report

A home inspection costs peanuts compared to the peace of mind that comes with knowing what you’re getting into when buying a house. The report is useful for the buyer, real estate agent and seller to negotiate. This report is also useful to remember the age of important components in your house, such as the HVAC system, water heater and so on.

This inspection will allow you to negotiate with the seller or cancel your purchase if the house you’re looking at is “as-is“. You can also use a home inspection report as a checklist when applying for a renovation loan. The buyer can use this information to help with financing.

Remember that the majority of the information in the report will not be used for negotiations, but for maintenance. The report is also needed by contractors. The report will help contractors to know where to make repairs.

What Happens if a Problem is Found?

A thorough inspection will include a list of items to be checked around the house. Reports may reveal minor or major problems. Look at some common findings.

Structural damage

They will check for cracks in the foundation when inspecting the structure of the home. In states with basements, the home inspector will also look at drainage problems. A home inspector will also check the crawl space for drainage issues, and masonry or bricks which are failing. Home Inspector Prince George will thoroughly examine these aspects to ensure the integrity and safety of the property.

Roof damage

Roof damage is another area that’s common. In Prince George, hailstorms, hurricanes and tornadoes are all common. Snow can cause roof damage in other states. The inspector will check for any tilting and broken or missing shingles, as well as clogged gutters.

Chimney problems

Inspectors will also inspect the chimney for any damages to the bricks or mortar, as well as the flue. The inspector will also check to see if the chimney has any obstructions in its interior. Sometimes the fix is as simple as a chimney clean or it could be structural repairs.

Wildlife and Pest Infestation

The inspector will also be on the lookout for any pest issues they might find during an inspection. They may recommend a pest control service, or that you contact a professional.

Trees that are Dead

The inspector will make recommendations if they find large trees near your home that look dead. Dead trees can be a problem if they are near your home and fall on it or damage power lines.

Plumbing and Septic Issues

Inspectors will check for pipes that have corroded or broken. The inspector will also check for pipes that are the wrong type. They will also look for any water damage around the plumbing fixtures, as well as water stains on ceilings. Water damage can also be indicated by mold and mildew. The septic system will also be checked for drainage problems and leaks if the home does not have sewer. The level of solids in the tank will be checked. This will require a company that offers septic inspections.

HVAC Issues

HVAC systems will be checked to ensure they are working correctly, have the correct wiring and that the air conditioner works properly. The average air conditioner will last between 10 and 15 years. It is costly to replace. These are expenses you will want to be aware of before buying a house.

Electrical Hazards

The inspector will also check to make sure that the house is equipped with GFCI outlets and the three-pronged outlet grounding. They will also ensure the circuit panel has not been modified illegally. The buyer can hire an electrician if there are any issues or concerns.

Fire Problems in the Home

Electrical problems are often the cause of fire hazards in homes. The inspector will check the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they are functioning. They will also check the windows and doors, particularly in case of fire.

Appliances

The inspector will check major appliances like the dishwasher, the refrigerator, the freezer and the garbage disposal. It is important that they all work properly.

This video is great for first time buyers.

Recommended Maintenance

Let’s look at some other topics. Negotiating after a home inspector is one of them. It is crucial to know the repairs that are needed after a home inspection. If you want to fix any issues, as a buyer, you can negotiate the price.

A home inspection can also lead to a walk-away. The home inspection report may reveal structural problems with the foundation, or termites. You can walk away from a purchase if these types of findings are found.

If you live in Prince George, you may want to consider other inspections for your home. The wind mitigation inspection and the 4-point inspection are two of them. Wind mitigation inspections offer homeowners discounts on their insurance based upon certain building characteristics, while 4-point inspections tell insurance companies about the condition of the home.

The Conclusion Of The Article Is:

You are probably making the biggest purchase of your life when you buy a house. Therefore, you should have an inspection performed. It is important to keep copies of the inspection for contractors. Contact North Fox Inspections today to schedule your home inspection in Prince George and the surrounding areas.