Ready to buy a new home?
Make sure to get a home inspector first.
Home inspectors can identify inherent problems with a home that you can’t. Spending a few hundred bucks on a good, comprehensive inspection prior to buying a new home can save you thousands, if not tens of thousands, of dollars in the long run, whether it be on repairs, loss in value or legal fees (if you have to sue the seller).
Here’s what you need to know:
How to Find a Home Inspector
The Yellow Pages are always an option, but the Internet, through sites like Yelp and Google, will allow you to find inspectors and client reviews.
Another good source is your realtor, if you have one, which you should. Realtors know the ins and outs of the local realty world, including good home inspectors.
Finally, you can use the American Society of Home Inspectors, which allows you to search for inspectors by address and zip code.
Checking Your Home Inspector:
- Talk to them
- Ask for credentials, like certifications and licenses
- Ask about their familiarity with your type of home
- Look at reviews
- Talk to prior customers
When to Get a Home Inspector
Before signing – If possible, you should get a home inspector prior to signing the contract to buy the home. Specifically, you should have a home inspector come in after you decide that you are interested in buying the home, but prior to settling on the terms of purchase. This is because you want to use any problems with the home as leverage to get a lower price.
After signing – Most home sale contracts include a clause, called an inspection clause, that conditions the sale on the home passing a home inspection. In this case, getting a home inspection after signing the contract is not problematic.
If you already signed a contract without an inspection clause, it’s not to late to get an inspector. Certain serious problems may present grounds to cancel the contract, and even minor problems can be fixed to prevent them from worsening.
How Much Are Home Inspections?
The price of a home inspection will vary depending on what you get inspected and the size of the home. Obviously a mansion will require more time than a two bedroom house. That being said, average prices hover between $300 and $500.
What Do Home Inspections Cover?
Home inspections involve the inspector examining the home from roof to basement, including:
- Plumbing
- Foundation
- Windows/Doors
- Flooring
- Ceilings
- Walls
- Heating/Cooling
- Ventilation
- Electrical systems
- Infestations/Rot/Mold
Does your dream home have a flaw? Hire a home contractor to fix it up.