Are you in the process of buying a home? Before you fully commit to doing it, it’s important to have a home inspection done on the property. This will let you know if there are any major or minor repairs that need to be made to the home you want to buy at this time. It could prevent you from enduring a lot of headaches and spending a lot of money later. Here is a step-by-step home inspection guide for homebuyers.
Step 1: Put a home inspection contingency into your contract.
You don’t have to do a home inspection on a home when buying it. You’re free to buy the home without an inspection. However, if you’re planning on doing one, let the home sellers know that you’re going to do it in your initial contract. Include a home inspection contingency that lets them know you plan on having a home inspection done at some point.
Step 2: Find a good home inspector to inspect the home you want to buy.
Once you’ve let the home sellers know a home inspection is going to take place, find a good home inspector in your area to carry it out. Your home inspector should have a lot of experience inspecting homes. He or she should also be certified to do home inspections in your area. This will ensure he or she knows what to look for during an inspection.
Step 3: Attend your home inspection with your home inspector.
On the day of your home inspection, you should be prepared to attend the inspection with your home inspector. Walk through the home you want to buy and see everything your inspector sees. Often, an inspector will point out things a home needs to you during your inspection. He or she will also let you know why there are concerns about certain aspects of the home.
Step 4: Study the home inspection report that your home inspector provides for you.
At the end of a home inspection, your home inspector will provide you with a full report listing all the potential problems with home. Use this report to further negotiate the sale of a home if there are any major issues. You might be able to bring the price of a home down or ask sellers to make repairs on their own prior to your closing date.
If you’re in need of a home inspection, Cornerstone Home Inspections can set you up with the home inspection services you need. Call us at 800-648-6187 today to schedule an inspection.