How do Home Inspections Work?
Are you buying a home? We understand that the process can be stressful. House inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind but often has the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information in a short time, including a written report, checklist, photographs, environmental reports, and whatever the inspector himself says during the inspection. All this — combined with the seller’s disclosure and what you notice yourself — makes the experience even more overwhelming. What should you do? Our Home Inspector is here to help.
What Really Matters
Relax, Most of your inspection will be maintenance recommendations, life expectancies and minor imperfections. There are nice and important to know. However the issues that really matter fall into four categories;
- Major defects (such as structural failure)
- Things that lead to major defects (such as small roof-flashing leak)
- Things that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home
- Safety hazard (such as an exposed, live buys bar at the electrical panel)
Anything in the these categories should be addressed. Often a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively. To protect life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4)
What to Remember
Most sellers are honest and are often surprised to learn of defects uncovered during an inspection. Realize that sellers are under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in the report. No home is perfect. Keep things in perspective. Do not kill your deal over things that do not matter. It is inappropriate to demand that a seller address deferred maintenance, conditions already listed on the seller’s disclosure, or nit-picky items. the
