Frequently Asked Questions About Home Inspections While Buying A House

Purchasing a house is a big transaction that’s impossible to reverse once the deal is done. So, to avoid any regrets after your name is on the deed, it’s vital to have the property inspected. However, when it comes to home inspections, there are a ton of questions clients have but often find answers difficult to come by.

South Texas Certified Home Inspections wants to arm you with the most accurate information available to help you obtain a thorough home inspection and to do this, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about home inspections while buying a house.

1. Is it okay to perform the inspection myself?

Inspecting your own potential house is not recommended. Home inspectors are specially trained to look for things you may miss. Unless you are a home inspector yourself, seek out a professional. Some states or financial lenders require a licensed inspector to complete the inspection.

2. What is the cost of a home inspection?

Costs can vary, depending on the size of the home and the region in which you are making your purchase. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, a typical range might be between $300 and $500. Shop around and talk to a variety of home inspectors, especially if you have never used one before. Keep a running list of comparative information on each inspector to help you decide which one is best for you.

3. How long will the inspection take?

Knowing the length of time for an inspection is important because you usually have to arrange a time with the realtor and the current owner for the inspector to examine the house. As an inspection usually involves looking at pipes, wiring, roofing, and areas that may be hard to reach, it may require hours to complete. The home inspector you choose should provide you with an estimate of how long the inspection is expected to take, so you can schedule it accordingly.

4. Is it possible for a home to fail an inspection?

An inspection is designed to tell you what needs to be repaired on the house. There may be some requirements that the house needs to meet for your financial lender to lend you the money for the home. This does not mean that the house has “failed” the inspection and will not be able to be sold.

5. What happens if there are problems found during the inspection?

There are potential problems that can come up during inspections. The seller of the home is not automatically required to repair any issues that the inspector finds. As the buyer, you can negotiate for the repairs to be made before you buy the home. If the seller is not willing to do the repairs for you, you will need to make other arrangements or terminate the contract. If you still want to purchase a house but are unable to get the financial lender to approve the loan until the repairs are made, you may have to make the repairs at your own expense.

6. Is anyone allowed or required to attend the inspection?

The home inspection is a valuable experience for you as a home buyer and future homeowner. The inspector should allow you to attend the inspection. You will be able to see first hand what potential problems exist now or may arise soon. Also, knowing what looks normal and what a problem looks like will help you later in maintaining your home.

7. Does the inspector need to specialize in residential inspection?

Yes. Ask about an inspector’s specialties before hiring one. There are various types of real estate, and all need varying forms of inspection before purchase. Commercial real estate varies from residential real estate, which is different from multi-family real estate.

8. How much experience must the inspector have?

Inquire about the inspector’s level of experience and ask for references. Inspectors who are confident in their service should willingly supply you with a list of references that can confirm they provide quality service.

If you have any more questions about home inspections before buying a house, get in touch with Donald Rollins at South Texas Certified Home Inspections. As the best home inspector in Richmond, TX, I utilize the latest technology and methods to provide you with a detailed, comprehensive inspection report including digital photographs of all deficiencies observed. Moreover, as a certified member of the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), I am a licensed inspector, I follow their professional code of ethics, and continue to educate myself about the latest inspection criteria and techniques in my industry. This way, you can be assured of my capabilities as a home inspector.

To learn more about how I can help you, please click here or contact me by clicking here.