A professional home inspection helps you learn about the home you’re buying, gives you confidence to address potential concerns, and delivers peace of mind about your new investment. It is good to remember every house has problems, so be sure to understand whether a defect is a major or minor one. While you do not want to underestimate the cost or difficulty of making a repair, you also do not want to be scared away from the sale by a flaw that is easy and fairly inexpensive to repair. A good inspector does not gloss over weakness nor do they forget to point out a home’s positive aspects either. A home inspector gives a solid, clear overview of the pros and cons of the property.

Why home inspections matter
A home inspection is a crucial element of any home purchase. Most buyers make their purchase offer contingent on the results of a home inspection so they can decide not to buy if the inspection reveals significant problems.

Your home inspection can cost between $300 and $500, depending on where you live and the size of the property you’re having inspected. It’s worth spending a few hundred dollars to learn about the potential pitfalls of your future home.

What to expect
Angie can recommend a home inspector, but you may also want to get recommendations from your lender and an attorney. Home inspectors will provide a written report after the inspection which you and your realtor can review. This is beneficial for identifying contingencies you would like to request from the seller to either fix or provide a credit amount at the closing.
Keep in mind the season can affect your inspection. During the winter, inspectors will not be able to inspect your air conditioner.

Prep for your inspection
You should always attend the inspection since this is your opportunity to learn about how to take care of your new home. Before your inspection, look over the interior and exterior of the property for potential problems and areas you would like the inspector to review carefully, such as dark spots in the basement or underneath the bathroom sinks that could be water damage. Prepare a list of questions for the inspector and bring a notebook or tablet so you can take notes.

What to do during your inspection
While your inspector is looking for major issues such as a foundation problem, a leaky roof or mold, you should also use this time to learn how to take care of the home and its systems. Most home inspectors can tell you the life expectancy of your appliances so you can avoid being surprised when it’s time to replace the water heater. A good inspector will also point out small repairs you should make after you move into the property. If the inspector finds a major problem with the home you intend to buy, you’ll need to consult with Angie and review your contract to decide how to handle the problem. Depending on what the inspection reveals, you may want to pull out of the deal or request that the sellers address the issue. You, the sellers and your agent can negotiate whether you want the sellers to fix a problem, give you a credit at closing, or cash to make the repairs after you move in.
A good home inspection should do more than look for flaws, it should prepare you for homeownership.