5 Home Inspection Tips For First-Time Buyers
A first time home buyer inspection might seem daunting at first, but it really doesn’t need to be complicated if you know exactly how to prepare. Here are some tips to follow as you prepare for your first inspection, which will correlate with your home inspection checklist:
- Work with referrals to find the right home inspector.
- Mind your due diligence and do your own research.
- Come up with the right questions to ask.
- Identify your deal breakers in advance.
- Be there for your home inspection appointment.
Find The Right Inspector
If you are working with a real estate agent, he or she should be able to help you find a licensed home inspector. If not, there are plenty of online resources that will reveal a list of professionals to work with in your area.
The best way to find a home inspector that will meet your needs is to ask around. Talk with friends and family to find recommendations. Check online reviews to see whether or not past clients had a positive experience. The last thing you want is to work with a home inspector who is more concerned about their paycheck than your well-being. Just be sure to work with a person who has proven, thorough results.
If possible, walk through your new home on your own before inspection day. This way, you can put together a list of questions for your inspector and the seller. The worst thing you can do is show up to inspection day ill prepared; you will be blindsided and thus be incapable of assessing every damage.
The best way to find a home inspector that will meet your needs is to ask around. Talk with friends and family to find recommendations. Check online reviews to see whether or not past clients had a positive experience. The last thing you want is to work with a home inspector who is more concerned about their paycheck than your well-being. Just be sure to work with a person who has proven, thorough results.
Ask your inspector these questions to discover whether he or she will be the right fit:
- “Are you a member of a professional inspection organization?” The most reputable inspectors should be a member of either “The National Association Of Home Inspectors”, “The American Society Of Home Inspectors”, or “The International Association Of Certified Home Inspectors”.
- “What is your background and experience?” You want to work with an inspector who has the basics of local building codes and requirements down to a tee. If you are buying an older home, or a “fixer upper”, it is best to find an inspector who has experience working with similar properties.
- “How long will the inspection take?” If your inspector says your inspections will last less than one hour, you are working with the wrong professional. Home inspections take two to three hours on average and can take even longer if you’re moving into a larger home.
- “Can I attend the inspection?” You should attend your final home inspection no matter what. Two sets of eyes are always better than one and you can’t guarantee your inspector will catch everything. If your inspector refuses to let you attend the inspection, this is an automatic red flag.
Mind Your Due Diligence
This should go without saying, but It is also important to do your own research on potential inspectors ahead of time. Even if you think you don’t have time, such as when buying a home in summer. While a plumber or an electrician has in-depth knowledge about certain aspects of a home, your inspector should possess a broad knowledge of a home’s systems and structures. Your home inspector should be objective, independent, and not affiliated with the seller in any way. No first-time home buyer wants an inspector who doesn’t have their best interest in mind.If possible, walk through your new home on your own before inspection day. This way, you can put together a list of questions for your inspector and the seller. The worst thing you can do is show up to inspection day ill prepared; you will be blindsided and thus be incapable of assessing every damage.
Ask Questions
Once you’ve found the right contractor, make sure to come up with a list of questions to ask. As a rule of thumb, always ask how much the inspection will cost, and ask for a rundown for what it covers. There may be some specialized types of inspections that will come as an additional cost. Also make sure that your contractor can be available on a date and time that will work with the deadlines on your purchase agreement. Keep in mind that the actual inspection is just part of the process, and it can take several days to receive the report with the results. Also verify that the inspector is properly certified.Identify Your Deal Breakers
As a home buyer, you should always keep a budget in mind for home repairs. Throughout the inspection process, you’ll start getting a better idea of how much repairs will cost. In advance, set limitations on how much you are willing to spend on repairs, no matter how much you love the house. Major repairs, such as electrical, plumbing or structural work can break your bank if you don’t have a large enough budget. If the inspector returns with unsavory results, be prepared to make a difficult decision of whether or not you want to jump into your purchase.Be There!
You might think that it would be best to stay out of your inspector’s way and let them do their job, but it’s quite to the contrary. Plan on being at the property for the inspection appointment, and don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions. However, it may be best to reserve your questions for the very end, or during breaks, so as not to distract them from their work.
