When Is the Right Time to Hire a Home Inspector?
Deciding to Purchase a Home
Making the decision to purchase a home is a major financial commitment. As you begin the home buying process, you want to set yourself up for making the best investment possible. Learning as much as you can about any property you are considering is key to making sure it is a sound purchase that will serve your needs. An important step is hiring a professional home inspector prior to finalizing a home purchase.
Understanding What a Home Inspector Does
A home inspector is a trained professional who thoroughly evaluates the physical condition of a home. The inspection provides you with an impartial, detailed assessment identifying any repairs needed, areas that require upgrading, and features that may need further evaluation by specialists.
Some key areas a home inspector examines include:
- Structural integrity
- Function of all systems and appliances
- Electrical, heating and cooling systems
- Plumbing
- Roof and attic
- Insulation and ventilation
- Doors, windows and walls
- Foundation and basement
Gaining Peace of Mind with an Inspection
Making what is likely the most expensive purchase of your life can create understandable anxiety. Will this be a smooth transition? Are there costly hidden issues with the home I have chosen? Hiring a home inspector ahead of purchase can provide invaluable peace of mind. An inspection allows you to enter the purchasing process with full transparency regarding the home’s needs. Armed with the home inspection report, you can determine if any repairs or upgrades are required and factor those costs into purchase negotiations. Think of an inspection as an investment into making an informed decision on the most significant acquisition you may ever make.
When to Schedule the Inspection
Hiring a home inspector at the appropriate time is key to making this resource as advantageous as possible.
Too Early for an Inspection
If you schedule an inspection while still in the initial house hunting phase, viewing many potential homes, this is generally too early. You do not want to expend resources checking homes thoroughly that you may readily eliminate as options. Wait to invest in an inspection until you have narrowed your choice down to one or two properties that top your list.
After Offer is Accepted
Once your purchase offer has been accepted, the seller will likely want as quick a turnaround as possible towards closing. This leaves a narrow window to cram in an inspection, so it is best not to wait until this point. You lose negotiation leverage if problems emerge, since the seller knows you have focused all efforts on their property. Schedule an inspection before your offer is accepted so you know what you are getting into.
Prior to Making Offer
The optimal time for a buyer to arrange a home inspection is while previewing the property you have honed in on, before making an offer. This allows you to incorporate the inspection findings into the offer terms if repairs or upgrades are recommended. Inform the seller that your offer is contingent on inspection results. The seller may opt to lower the price or agree to address necessary fixes if they are motivated to sell quickly. If not, you still have time to walk away.
What an Inspection Costs
Home inspection at home inspection in Frederick MD costs at can range $300-$500 depending on your region and the square footage of the home. Older homes often take longer to evaluate thoroughly. Additional specialized tests for things like radon, pests, water or septic systems can be arranged for an additional fee. No matter what the overall inspection expense adds up to, keep in mind this pales in comparison to the property value. An inspection is one of the most vital investments you will make to protect the much larger investment into your new dwelling. Think of an inspection as your chance to gain expert second opinion and counsel to help you decide if this property makes sense for your needs and budget long-term.
Choosing the Right Inspector
Vet inspectors thoroughly before selecting the ideal professional. Look for an inspector who has been working for at least 3-5 years, with no complaints lodged to consumer protection agencies or disciplinary actions on their record. Verify they carry errors and omissions insurance in case they miss identifying any major defects impacting home safety or livability. Meet with the inspector in advance to get a feel for their customer service skills and how thoroughly they explain their process. Discuss any specialty features your home may have to gauge the inspector’s familiarity inspecting similar dwellings. Reputable inspectors with strong backgrounds inspecting a wide breadth of residential properties will serve you best. They should also clearly outline their fees and policies upfront.
Making a major property purchase without fully investigating condition and repairs required is an incredibly risky financial move. Protect your investment by only submitting an offer contingent upon a clean inspection report. If deficiencies arise, you can then make an informed choice if it still makes sense to follow through on buying the dwelling after factoring in needed fixes. Resist any pressure to skip the inspection, even if it risks losing out on your dream home. The discovery of issues after purchase is far more devastating. The most successful home buying experiences all start with setting the stage for informed decision making. A thorough home inspection paves the way towards peace of mind and confidence as you establish roots and make memories in your new abode.
