The Top Four Things You Should Know About Property Inspections
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment when you’re buying your first home — you’ll probably be so excited about finding the home that you want, at a price that you can afford, that you’ve forgotten one crucial step: the home inspection. Yet you can’t really skip a home inspection, any more than those buying commercial property can avoid using commercial real estate inspectors. A home inspection can be a daunting task, and susing a commercial real estate inspector is no simpler. However, whether you’re having a house or a commercial building inspected, there more you know ahead of time, the less you’ll have to worry about when the day comes.
It’s important to remember that while there are many different home and commercial real estate inspectors advertising their services on the market, not all are created equally. In order to ensure that your inspection is legitimate, you’ll want to make sure that you’re choosing the right company — starting out with one that can offer a nationally certified master inspector. Arming yourself with information will keep you from falling prey to negligent inspectors, and will ultimately help you get the inspection that you needed. Let’s look into some of the main issues you should know before choosing an inspector.
1. The Inspection Is On You
Whether you’re looking for a commercial real estate inspector or a home inspector, the inspection itself is ultimately on the buyer. A seller can claim that their property is up to your standards, but you will not know it unless you employ home inspection services. This does mean that the cost of the home inspection will be on you as well — but an estimated 70% of home owners reported that their home inspections helped them avoid long term issues, and 64% of homeowners believe that they saved money in the long term thanks to their inspections. Think of a home inspection — or commercial real estate inspection — as an investment in the future. If you’re able to avoid buying a property that is worth less than what you’re paying thanks to an inspection, it will be well worth it.
2. Inspections Have Limits
Remember: an inspector an only inspect so many things! At the same time, if an inspector doesn’t inspect everything that they can, you may want to look elsewhere. A typical home inspection should include the inspection of the foundation and basements, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, plumbing systems, condition of the floors, walls, and ceilings, the artic and visible installations, the condition of the windows, and the condition of additional structural components. However, roof or chimney repairs, septic tanks, the inner walls of the home, and extra structures like sheds or wells are typically not inspected by the average property inspector. Your inspector may be able to refer you to a specialist that will help.
3. You Can Be A Part Of The Inspection
You have every right to attend your property inspection — and if your potential inspector tries to bar you from doing so, then you may want to move on to another option. Keep in mind that the average inspection takes about two to four hours; however, a good inspector will probably want you to be there if it’s possible. One of the reasons you’ll want to be there is listed below.
4. Use The Inspector’s Report To Your Advantage
Chances are that your real estate will receive your home inspector’s report automatically — but request one of your own as well. When you have your own copy of the inspector’s report, it will be easier for you to negotiate repairs with the sellers of the home or building. Once you receive your copy, look it over and make notes regarding what repairs are most crucial to you.
Using a home or commercial real estate inspector will be worth it in the long term. By utilizing professional services, you’ll be able to get the most out of the property you’re buying.