While more expense may seem like the last thing you want when buying a house, most experts recommend a professional home inspection to obtain a better sense of the property’s condition and potential problems.
Is an inspection required?
A property inspection might help you prevent costly surprises such as structural issues or concealed damage. While it is not required by law, buyers, particularly first-time home buyers, might greatly benefit from having a professional inspect the property before finalizing a purchase.
A seller who is trying to sell a house may be tempted to conceal plumbing, electrical, or other concerns that could come back to haunt you later. Sellers may be ignorant of underlying issues in their properties, which you may not want to deal with.
How much does a property inspection typically cost?
The cost of an inspection varies greatly depending on location, as well as the size and age of the home.
“Generally, inspections cost between $350 and $550,” says Rick Carlberg, founder of The HouseDoctors Property Inspections.
Carlberg estimates that a home inspection from a respectable business will cost at least $400 for a 2,000-square-foot property. However, if you have a larger property or require additional inspections, such as mold or termites, which aren’t usually included, the price can easily rise to $500 or $600-plus. Other important environmental and ancillary services that you may need, such as Radon or Indoor Air Quality Testing, may also increase the price.
Other factors that influence the cost of an inspection include how unique the home is and how far the inspector must drive to reach the residence. Furthermore, more experienced inspectors may charge more than less experienced home inspectors.
How long does it take to perform a house inspection?
Carlberg estimates that a house inspection will take three to four hours. It’s a good idea to schedule a home inspection shortly after signing a purchase contract so that you obtain the report before the termination option period expires.
Attending the inspection allows you to observe and ask questions or provide information to the inspector. You may expect to receive a written report on the status of the home’s structures and systems within a day or two, usually less, and frequently with images of any concerns the inspector may have discovered.
What is included in a property inspection?
The inspector should do a thorough visual assessment of the property’s critical structures and systems.
“They normally contain an assessment of a home’s four key systems — structural and foundation, roofing, plumbing, and electrical — as well as incorporated appliances and potential safety issues,” Carlberg explains.
Inspecting the house for water issues
One of the most serious problems would be the presence of water inside the construction. Water in the wrong spot can make a house unlivable. A water leak could lead to mold growth and wood damage. A steady roof leak may take years for the homeowner to notice, whereas a storm may generate a rapid leak that everyone can see. Inspectors can tell you if there are any indications of earlier leaks.
Reporting on the condition of the home’s roof
Inspectors will assess the roof’s condition and look for leaks. It makes no difference whether the roof is good or awful. The inspector has no motive to uncover a problem or not. Doing repairs on anything we check is against the ASHI Code of Ethics, we merely report what we see.
Inspecting the property’s electrical systems
Many electrical problems are simple and affordable to repair if they are found in time.
However, an inexpensive repair may be fatal if not addressed soon.
For example, a faulty ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) costs only about $10, so many people believe it isn’t worth reporting. However, electrical shock could occur if a GFCI is not fitted or is not functioning properly. Every accessible GFCI will be inspected by a home inspector to ensure that it is in good working order.
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, a comprehensive home inspection report should include the following areas:
- The heating system
- System of air conditioning
- Plumbing and electrical wiring
- Roof
- Attic
- Insulation that is visible
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Floors
- Windows’s/Doors
- Basement foundation and structural components
What more home inspections would be required?
Home inspectors will refer purchasers to professionals to provide insight on any worrying discoveries for items that an inspector does not focus on. According to Carlberg, they can include soil and geological conditions.
Optional inspection services that you may choose to add include:
A structural engineer or foundation specialist, for example, may be recommended to further analyze a foundation problem. The specialist can provide estimates and advice on how to resolve the problem. Before releasing the inspection contingency in your purchase agreement, seek the advice of a specialist so that you can use it as a negotiation tool with the seller.
The cost of specialized assessments varies greatly depending on the field and the company. A roofing specialist may offer a free quote in the hopes of getting the job. A structural engineer might charge $800 for a site visit, whereas a plumber might charge $100.
How to Select the Best Inspector
The easiest method to tell if an inspector is charging you a fair fee is to look at what other inspectors in your region are asking for homes similar to the one you want to buy. Some inspectors disclose their fees on their websites, so you might be able to purchase online.
Carlberg recommends asking for proof of state certification or membership in industry groups such as the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), or the American Society of Home Inspectors whether you hire a home inspector recommended by your real estate agent or one you find on your own (ASHI). We also suggest hiring a professional with at least 1,000 inspections under their belt and three to five years of full-time experience.
You can also request a sample report to evaluate how thorough each inspector is. A sample report indicating a more comprehensive inspection may justify a higher inspection fee. The responses you get from asking around will give you a ballpark figure for what you should pay.
Finally, the money spent on a house inspection can save you a lot of money, whether you utilize the knowledge to negotiate repairs or concessions from the seller or avoid a terrible transaction entirely.
If you need a home inspection estimate, please contact us today!
