How do you know what’s behind the walls?
I remember having a buyer client ask me this, when walking a remodeled home. They had watched one too many HGTV nightmare episodes and were petrified of buying a lemon.
While you really can’t tell what’s behind the walls in a built home, a good inspector will get you pretty close. They inspect every square inch of the property, crawling in attics, testing outlets, scoping sewers and more. An inspection will give you the inside out view of your new home and help you to make an informed decision.
I had the pleasure of hosting Kris Houser with Insight Inspections on Instagram Live a few weeks ago, we discussed all the ins & outs of home inspection. I’d encourage to hop over to my Instagram to watch it (link in footer of this page).
Here are some of the bigger takeaways from our chat:
Why Get an Inspection:
- Identify any systems not functioning in the home
- Identify Any safety concerns
- Identify the age of big ticket items and expectation of useful life
- Learn about how your new home operates.
Some of the more common items on an inspection report:
- Cracked roof tiles
- Landscape irrigation leaks
- Broken window seals
Big Ticket Items on an Inspection:
- Roof condition
- HVAC function
- Plumbing/Sewer
- Electrical System
What to Expect in an Inspection Report:
- 2-3 days to schedule, so plan ahead!
- 30-40 page report is standard
- 5-10 page summary will point out issues/items to watch
- Inspectors don’t give estimates of repair costs
I find an inspection report is the closest thing to an ‘owners manual’ you will get for an already built home. You can refer back to it for things like electrical shutoffs, water main location, plumbing cleanouts, a/c filter location, water heater location/age, and so much more.
Buying a home is a big step and can be a scary process. But it doesn’t have to be!!