If you’re shopping for a new home, you’re excited about this milestone in life. With the help of your real estate agent, you can find a house within your budget that meets your needs. After you have the house under contract, order a home inspection so you can feel confident about your investment.
Order a Home Inspection to Discover Unseen Problems
On your first tour of the home, everything might look perfect. It’s still a smart idea to hire a home inspector to perform a thorough assessment of the property. A home inspector has been trained to examine every aspect of a house. You’ll learn about the condition of the home with a report that contains information about defects and safety concerns the inspector finds.
Use the Home Inspection for Legal Protection
Make sure your real estate agent writes a contingency in the contract in case the home inspection shows major defects. Contingencies in the offer give you the option of renegotiating if the house is not in sound condition. Ask the seller to take care of issues or negotiate a lower price for the property based on the cost of the repairs.
What Does a Home Inspector Look for?
After the inspection, the home inspector will provide a complete report about the home’s condition. You’ll gain knowledge about all areas of the property. Here are a few of the things that an inspector will examine:
The inspector will look at all structural elements, including support beams and the foundation. Foundation repairs are expensive. You don’t want to find out about defects in this area after moving in.
Your home inspector will also be looking for safety issues. He or she will look for water leaks that could contribute to mold growth. The inspector will also examine the electrical system to make sure the wiring is grounded and safe.
The inspector may also test for radon. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that contributes to lung cancer. If you’re moving into a new home, you want to know if you and your family are at risk. Ask for a radon test.
The home inspection will provide information about the condition of your roof. A strong roof protects the home from the elements. A badly damaged roof could lead to other issues like water leaks and pest infestations. The roofing is another area of the home that is expensive to replace. You don’t want to learn that you need to invest thousands of dollars in a new roof.
Gain Leverage in Negotiations
A home inspection report puts you in a good position as you and your realtor negotiate with the seller. With the information in the report, you can ask for price reductions or request that the seller repairs problems. If, during the inspection, a major issue was detected, you can back out of the deal altogether.
Plan for the Future When You Order a Home Inspection
Your home inspection report will also help you budget for home improvements and maintenance down the road. The report will list any defects, problems, defective materials, and safety concerns. You can prioritize the issues and create a budget to make upgrades and fixes as you can afford them.
District Home Inspection offers inspection services to Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas. Contact us to request an appointment.