Purchasing a new home is an incredibly exciting time in your life. Whether you’re moving out of a smaller house and into a space that fits better or you’re purchasing your first home, it’s an exciting time of growth. But, the home-buying process can be long, difficult, and complex, especially if you’ve never gone through it before.
One major part of purchasing a new home is the home inspection. These inspections are crucial to ensuring your space is safe and livable. But what is involved in this process, and is scheduling that important? In this blog, we’ll help break down the home inspection process so you know what to expect.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a safety and quality inspection of a home that is being sold. During this process, a buyer’s inspector will look at several parts of your home, including its structure, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, water, and sewage systems. They may also look at the windows, doors, roofs, and walls of your home. Some of the most common damage and problems a home inspector may find during their inspection include:
- Drainage Problems
- Leaks and Plumbing Problems
- HVAC Issues
- Inadequate Insulation
- Mold or Mildew Growth
- Termite Damage
- Building Code Violations
What to Expect During This Process
A home inspection is a critical step in home buying, offering buyers a clear understanding of the property’s condition before closing the deal. Conducted by a licensed professional, a home inspection typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on the home’s size and condition. Here’s what you can expect:
Exterior Evaluation
The inspector will start with an exterior evaluation, examining the roof, gutters, siding, foundation, and drainage. They’ll check for visible damage, such as cracks in the foundation or signs of water intrusion.
Interior Evaluation
Inside, the inspector will evaluate major electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and insulation systems. They’ll also assess the structure, looking for uneven floors or wall cracks. Appliances that come with the home may also be tested for functionality. The inspection process is non-invasive, meaning the inspector won’t cut walls or dismantle systems. However, they’ll document visible and accessible issues and may use tools like moisture meters or thermal imaging to detect hidden problems.
After Inspection
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining findings, photos, and recommendations. This report can help you make informed decisions, such as negotiating repairs with the seller, requesting price adjustments, or walking away from the deal if significant issues arise.
Being present during the inspection is highly recommended. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, learn about the home, and gain valuable maintenance tips from the inspector. With a thorough inspection, you’ll have peace of mind knowing exactly what to expect with your new home.
Do You Need an Inspection?
If you are moving into a newer home, you might think a home inspection is unnecessary. However, while a house may be new, it is still important that you schedule an inspection. Even the newest homes can have minor or major damage that requires costly repairs or replacement. Choosing to opt out of this inspection can leave the cost of these repairs on you.
Although some repairs may only cost a few hundred dollars, other maintenance may cost thousands. Once you’ve completed these repairs, you may have spent far too much on your home. Not only is this financially difficult after moving into a house, but it is also frustrating to spend extra money on a home that may otherwise not be worth the price you paid.
Can You Adjust Your Offer After an Inspection?
While most home inspections will not find any major problems, there is a chance that they will find major safety issues, problems that make the home unlivable, or something that requires intensive repairs. If the problem indicates the house is unlivable, you may decide to pull your offer on the property.
However, if the problems aren’t significant enough to warrant withdrawing your offer, you may still want to submit a counteroffer. This counteroffer typically accounts for the cost of any repairs and restoration efforts to ensure the home’s safety and comfort. It is important to note that home sellers may choose to reject your counteroffer.
If you do want to make a counteroffer after the home inspection, you might want to sit down with your real estate agent to discuss a new offer that is a good balance between the original asking price and what is reasonable given the required repairs. Working with your agent can help you ensure you can still move into your new home.
Supporting You Through Every Step
Whether you’re purchasing, selling, or renting, our team at Premier Utah Real Estate is here to support you every step of the way. With decades of experience helping homeowners, buyers, and sellers across the Wasatch Front find their perfect space, we’re confident we can do the same for you. If you would like to speak to a team member about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
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