Home inspections are performed to make sure that the home you’re buying is in good condition. That being said, there are many problems that are commonly found during home inspections.

These include: 

Water damage. 

Water damage is one of the worst things that you can find during a home inspection. It can really do a lot of damage to a home like destroying the structural integrity of your home. Water damage can also lead to mold, which can be harmful to your family.  

Bad roof. 

Since most people don’t get up on top of the roof when they look at buying a home, it is important that it gets inspected properly. Shingles may be missed, flashing may be broken or missing, or the entire roof may need to be replaced. If the roof is bad, water may get into the home, which can lead to even more problems.  

Poor drainage and grade sloping. 

If the outside of your home doesn’t take water away from it, it can cause even more water damage. The land should slope away from the home and not toward it.  

Faulty wiring. 

Electrical system problems can also be bad. They can turn into fires, which can really destroy a home so it is a good idea to have a home inspector do a thorough examination of the wiring of the home.  

Bad foundation. 

If there are problems with the foundation of the house, it may be quite costly to fix. It may even make you want to walk away from a home.  

While there are many things home inspectors look for, water damage is the most common problem that home inspectors see, and this could be due to a bad roof, plumbing problems, or even poor drainage on the outside of the home.  Electrical system problems can cause hazardous conditions like fires so you’ll want to ensure the electrical wiring in your home is working properly, and a house with a faulty foundation can be something so costly you’d prefer to walk away from rather than fix. 

When it’s time to buy your next home, you’ll want to be fully equipped with the proper knowledge and guidelines regarding your home inspection. Here are things that should be part of your checklist.  

Hire an Inspector
Once you find a suitable home, it is vital to hire a home inspector to help you do the job. This is a necessary requirement for a successful home inspection you can trust. Inspectors that have adequate skill, experience, and expertise in the field can help you receive a thorough home inspection report you can count on.  

Understand the Contract
It is imperative to read and understand the home inspection fine print before you proceed with the task. Ask your home inspector for the contract and be sure you’re comfortable with every item. If you have any questions about the contractual terms, seek clarification from the home inspector first.  

Come Prepared
You never know the nature of the property you’re going to have inspected. That’s why you need to come prepared with comfortable clothes and shoes for flexibility purposes because you might need to access small, dark, and dirty areas with your inspector. When you dress for the job, you can follow the inspector anywhere on the property. This allows you to obtain more information along the way.  

Take Notes
During the inspection, you might come across various items that need to be repaired by the seller. That is why you should take notes during the inspection and follow up later as you seek clarification. These notes can be helpful in which to refer back.  

Review the Home Inspection Report
Once you receive the home inspection report back from your inspector, take time and analyze it before proceeding with the purchase process. If the home needs repairs, keep a close eye on the repair schedules and ensure you only continue with the deal once everything is streamlined.  

Final Thoughts
Making sure you’re equipped with the above checklist can make the home inspection process seamless. Be careful with the report and be sure to highlight any grey areas that need clarification to discuss further with your home inspector.  

When planning to buy a home, you’ll want to do everything possible to ensure you get the best property worth for your buck. However, this may not be possible without a home inspection. Here are the basics you’ll need to know when scheduling your first home inspection.

What to Expect During Home Inspection

A home inspection is an opportunity to uncover any defects on the property.  A home inspector will check the defects and get the seller to work on them before closing the deal.

The professional will examine the home exterior and interior and provide a written report showing the findings.  Ensure you explore the home and ask as many questions as possible before leaving.

No Home is Perfect

Buyers often have specific interests when looking for a home. While you may want to get what you’ve already visualized, it may not be possible to get a perfect home. Some homes may have various defects which are repairable. In short, you shouldn’t expect perfection, because almost all homes will have a few blemishes.

Who Pays the Home Inspection Fees?

This is usually open for negotiation. However, the buyer pays in most cases, but it is good to discuss with the seller first and agree on who should pay.

Some sellers opt to get their own home inspectors and pay them. This gives the seller a chance to repair any defects before listing the home. The seller can present the report to the potential buyer, but most buyers dismiss such reports. Instead, they choose their home inspector and pay them for the services.

How Long Does the Process Take?

There is no fixed time that any home inspection takes. The duration depends on the size of the home, the effectiveness of the home inspector, any defects in the home, and the seller’s preparation and support during the inspection.  In most cases, the process can take between two to five hours unless there are other exceptional issues.

The Bottom Line

The few hours you spend on a home inspection are worth it. You want to be sure that you know what you’re buying. It helps you avoid frustrations and disappointments once you move into the home.

Looking for the perfect home inspector in St. Louis, MO or surrounding areas? Call A&R Home Services today for all your home inspection needs!