Are you looking to purchase your first home or put your house up for sale? Before you make the big move, take a look at these helpful tips from home inspectors.
Select Home Inspectors Carefully
Steve Maxwell, a coach in home improvement, advises that you don’t trust real estate agents to recommend home inspectors. Instead, look for a certified independent inspector.
Make sure the inspection is thorough
Home inspectors in palm beach fl should be able to inspect a house in between two and four hours. Maxwell states that any inspection that takes longer than this is a red flag. It is possible for a small house with no basement to take less time.
Ask the right questions
Inspectors cannot tell you whether or not to purchase a home. They are not allowed to offer real estate advice. They should highlight major issues like foundation damage.
Make sure you prepare your space properly
Sellers: Prepare your house for the home inspectors in the same manner as you would for a show. Home Inspections recommends that you take care of any smaller repairs such as loose doorknobs before the inspector arrives.
Request a sample report
Association of Home and Property Inspectors suggests that you take a look at samples of reports before hiring someone. Do you have photos? Any suggestions for addressing any defects? Make sure that you understand the document.
Even newly built homes should be inspected
Poor roofing design and electrical problems are just a few of the many things that could go wrong in construction. He says, “There are builders building homes one after the other.” They’re selling them like hotcakes. It’s not about quality.
You can read the entire report (not just the summary)
The summary is used by home inspectors to highlight high-priority problems. However, your concerns may extend beyond this.
Find out What to Look for
Look for a home inspector who tests air quality–specifically checking for mould and testing for radon, a naturally occurring gas that is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Holmes says that although these tests are relatively inexpensive, they can be expensive if problems do arise.
Timing is everything
Before you list your home on the market, have it inspected. You can tell the buyer about any problems upfront and avoid renegotiations. Or, you can do needed renovations yourself.
Do not forget to look outside!
Attention to your foundation and roof. Any issues with either of these can prevent a sale from happening. Peck recommends trimming large tree branches to protect your roof. Keep your home’s downspouts dripping away to prevent a leaking foundation.
Watch out for poor repairs
Be cautious when it comes to DIY homes. DIYers may not be able to do repairs as professionally as professionals. Clarke warns that bad fixes can lead to unsafe electrical systems and basement leaks.
Do not trust blindly
Clarke says that while most homeowners are honest, some homeowners may be lying to cover up. Is there anything in the basement other than a few boxes that have been pushed against the foundational wall? Is one wall covered in fresh paint? These clues could indicate a hidden defect.
You may be allowed to tag along
Ask to accompany the inspector during the inspection. Peck says, “This is your chance get to know your home.” I encourage buyers to be active.
