September 6, 2022
You found the right house put in your offer, and it was accepted. Congratulations! But now, it’s time to hire a home inspector to review the property — inside and out — to make sure everything you see and don’t see won’t develop major problems once it’s your house.
Remember that you are making a very big and costly decision, and it’s not just about how things are working right now, but how you maintain the home and what the home will need from you once you move in.
A home inspector can show you what things are beyond their life expectancy, or if something is in need of repair or is functioning as designed. They can also provide you with maintenance tips to keep your home in good shape. The inspection is performed for you, not the real estate agent, seller, or lender. At the conclusion of the inspection, the inspector will provide only you with a written report generally within 24-48 hours.
A home inspection will include a comprehensive visual overview of all the major mechanical and structural systems of the home. Those items include plumbing, foundation, roof, fireplaces, air conditioner, furnace, attic, and appliances, along with a general look at the interior and exterior of the home.
They look for water and moisture intrusion, air infiltration, proper venting of appliances as well as attic vents. Inspectors will check electrical components for proper operation, the presence of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and the proper operation of doors and windows. They also will provide you with the type of roof materials, siding, foundation, and framing.
The average home inspection takes about 3-3.5 hours to cover all the systems and components. Most inspectors want the potential buyers to be with them during the inspection to explain the mechanics of the house they are potentially buying. It costs an average of about $450 to hire a home inspector, but condos and homes under 1,000 square feet can cost as little as $300.
Home inspectors will generally recommend that qualified contractors follow up on items if they see signs of structural damage water intrusion, potential lead, and asbestos which may be an added cost to the buyer or negotiated with the owner/seller.
By John Schuler J & H Home Inspections located in Little River, SC https://jhhomeinspections.com/