A home inspection is one of the key fundamental components when buying a home. Think about it, you are about to make a large investment by purchasing a home, a home that you want and need to know everything about beyond the outside appearance. Home inspections are typically done in the “Option Period” of the home buying process. That way, you can negotiate with the seller further on repairs you want to be made, accept any issues as they are, or simply walk away. Having an inspection done can save you thousands of dollars down the road.
Finding an inspection company to work on your behalf can seem like a daunting task, but this is when your trusted REALTOR® comes in handy. Professional real estate agents will normally have a few great ones that they have worked with before and know their process. NewHomePrograms.com has an Approved Vendor List with local companies that can assist home buyers and sellers with their house needs and projects, including home inspectors.
You will hear the word “process” a lot during a real estate transaction, that is because each person helping you has his or her own process that works for them. When you have found the home inspector you want to work with, they should explain their process. It should include but not be limited to what their home inspection entails, how long the home inspection will take, a time frame when you will receive your report, and of course, let’s not forget how much it will cost. The cost of a Home inspection can vary depending on the location, size, and age of the home.
A home inspection is described as the performance of the home during the time of the inspection. Just know that no home is perfect; even new construction homes have flaws, so your report may be detailed with all sorts of items that need to be addressed. Plus, you are hiring someone to give you bad news; they are not there to tell you what is right with a home but to locate all the issues. Your home inspector should take the time after the inspection to explain all the findings. This will help clarify items that are meant just to be informative, to help with maintenance or future potential problems, and findings that did not meet the minimum standards of practice. Being informed is essential, you do not want to lose a home because you are fighting over caulking or an issue that you, the buyer, might not want to remedy. However, this part is left up to you and your Realtor to discuss because the inspection report is, in some ways a to-do list for the new homeowner.
As a professional residential and commercial inspector, RSCH One Inspections takes this process even further by teaching new homeowners about preventive maintenance. A home is a living, breathing thing and should be taken care of as such. Each component in a home can last past its shelf life expectancy when taken care of, this can be done by having each component scheduled for regular maintenance. When properly cared for, your home can last you a very long time without the need for major repairs. For example, in the Greater Houston Area of Texas, a water heater in the attic space of a home can cost up to $1,800 to replace, whereas preventive maintenance would have only cost $400 over 5-7 years of servicing (this price can vary). Remember, one day you will want to sell your home and of course, get top dollar for it, and the new home buyer will also want to get a home inspection done to reveal any shortcomings. Preventive maintenance is the easiest way to save money and headaches.
When you are at the home inspection part of the home buying process, time is of the essence. Your inspector should be easily reachable with just a phone call away. They should be able to help guide you through their part of the process and speak to you honestly. Just remember, although they might have been referred by your realtor, friend, or family member, at the end of the day, they work for you.
Guest Article was written by:
Donivan Harvey, owner of RSCH One Inspections
832-576-2506
rsch.one.inspections@gmail.com
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