Home Inspection Colorado Springs CO look at everything from leaning walls to whether toilets flush properly. It’s usually a good idea for buyers to tag along with the inspector and ask questions.
This can help them decide whether a defect is major enough to warrant renegotiating or leaving the deal.
Home inspections visually examine a home’s physical structure and systems, from the roof to the foundation. A home inspector is a qualified professional who inspects a house and provides a written report on the property’s condition. The inspector’s report will identify any significant defects or safety hazards and recommend any needed repairs. Homebuyers should clearly understand the home’s condition before making a final purchase decision. A thorough home inspection can also help home sellers understand what conditions will likely arise during the selling process.
Home buyers should always choose a licensed and insured inspector. A reputable home inspector should be able to provide references from past clients and should be able to demonstrate their technical knowledge of the systems of a house. In addition to a general home inspection, some inspectors offer specialized services such as radon testing and termite inspections. Homebuyers should inquire about the services provided and request a sample of the home inspector’s report before hiring the company.
A home inspection should be distinct from a home appraisal, used to determine a home’s value and typically performed by a licensed appraiser. A home inspection focuses on the condition of a house, while an appraisal assesses a home’s market value.
During a home inspection, the inspector will evaluate the condition of the house and its major systems, such as the heating and cooling system, the plumbing and electrical system, and the house’s structural integrity. The inspector will also examine the drainage system, water heater, and interior surfaces such as floors, walls, and ceilings.
Buyers should be aware that a home inspection is not a warranty, and the inspector will not guarantee that any problems identified will be fixed. However, the results of a home inspection can give a buyer leverage during the negotiation process by providing documentation of issues that may allow them to ask the seller to make repairs or reduce the sales price.
While there is no legal requirement for a seller to fix any problems discovered during a home inspection, serious issues such as a sagging foundation or wood-destroying organism infestation can be used to negotiate a lower sale price. In addition, a buyer can request that the seller address any safety-related problems discovered during the inspection before closing.
A home inspection is often one of the largest single expenses a buyer will incur in purchasing a property. However, a home inspection is often well spent, as it reveals problems that can be addressed before they become major issues requiring costly repairs or total rebuilding. Home inspections are important for buyers and sellers alike. For buyers, they help to ensure that they are purchasing a sound investment, and for sellers, they can ensure that their property is in good condition and will appeal to the most buyers.
A good inspector will take the time to explain their findings and answer any questions the buyer may have. It is recommended that the buyer be present for the inspection to see the damage for themselves and ask any questions that arise. This will also give the seller a chance to point out any improvements that have been made and to address any concerns that the buyer may have.
Once the home inspection is complete, the inspector will provide a written report to the buyer. The report will include a list of defects found in the home and a description of their severity. The buyer can then use this information to decide whether or not to continue with the sale or request that certain repairs be made before closing.
In some cases, the issues found during the home inspection will be significant enough to cause the buyer to withdraw from the sale completely. This is why it is a good idea for the buyer to incorporate a home inspection contingency into their contract. This will allow them to back out of the contract without penalty if the inspection uncovers serious problems they can’t live with.
If the problems are not major, the buyer can negotiate with the seller for a price reduction or credit against the purchase, or they can arrange for the seller to make the necessary repairs. Having an experienced real estate agent on the buyer’s side is essential in this situation. The real estate agent can help to determine the best course of action based on the market conditions and the leverage available to their client.
When the inspector’s inspector is done, they’ll write a report and send it to you. It will include a summary, recommendations, and detailed information on each inspected item. The inspection report will often have photos to make things more clear, as well as a key that describes the different symbols or codes used in the report to indicate the severity of an issue (I = Inspected; R = Recommended repair; S = Safety concern; NP = Not present).
The bulk of the report will be a list of items with details, including what was observed and whether it’s a problem. The report will also detail the condition of the home’s heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; roof, attic, and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, and cabinets; and the foundation, basement, and structural components. The report will also note any issues that could pose a safety risk to the homeowner, such as evidence of mold or wood-destroying organisms, and recommend further evaluation by a specialist.
While the inspector will do their best to examine the home thoroughly, there are some things that they need help to see. Inspectors are not required to climb on roofs or enter crawl spaces, and they don’t have the power to force their way into locked rooms or remove personal belongings from furniture. If the inspector can’t access an area, they’ll explain why it’s impossible to inspect and provide a contact name and number for the person who can help.
If the inspector finds something that is a major problem, you can use it as leverage to negotiate with the seller. If it’s a minor issue, like a missing shingle or a dirty air filter, you can fix it after you move in. However, if it’s something serious, such as a major foundation crack or significant leak, you should reconsider the purchase and get an opinion from another professional.
A home inspection is a valuable piece of the real estate purchasing process. It can help buyers spot needed renovations and upkeep necessities and alert them to any safety issues that may have yet to be discovered during the buyer’s due diligence period. A home inspection contingency in your purchase contract can give you the option to back out of the deal or renegotiate with the seller, depending on what is found during the inspection.
The report can also help determine who is responsible for covering the cost of certain repairs. Crucial repairs deemed necessary by the inspector will typically fall on the seller, while less urgent repairs could be the buyer’s responsibility.
While no one expects a home to be perfect, it is reasonable to request that a few minor problems be fixed before closing. A few examples of reasonable repair requests would be broken shingles, water leakage, and faulty electrical outlets that present a fire hazard.
Once you have your home inspection report, review it thoroughly. If you have any questions, the inspector should be able to provide further explanation or clarification. It would be best if you also went over the photos that the inspector included in the report.
Some things you can do to prepare for a home inspection include:
Clear the home of clutter, especially in closets and under sinks. It will make the home inspector’s job much easier and quicker if they can get through without opening everything. Replace any burned-out light bulbs, and ensure any outside lights are working.
Be aware that your inspector may recommend further, more specialized inspections for things like the presence of asbestos, termite infestations, radon, and lead paint. These extra inspections will require additional fees but can be vital to the buying process.
If you are ready to become a homeowner, contact us today to schedule a home inspection. We look forward to working with you! Copyright 2019 – All Rights Reserved.