The short answer is yes. Some buyers feel a home inspection is unnecessary, especially if they are buying new construction. If a light switch doesn't work or the air conditioner blows out hot air, those are problems you can see and test. “The problems that aren't readily identifiable to you such as code violations, a furnace that leaks carbon monoxide or a failing chimney, are the types of defects a home inspector could identify in a new home,” advises thebalance.com. Builders' contractors make mistakes, too.
If you’ve signed a contract to purchase a home, a key step before completing the sale is getting a professional home inspection. You don’t want any surprises after you have taken possession! “The inspection is often the last chance you’ll have to go inside the home before the final walkthrough,” according to bankrate.com.
If your purchase agreement has an inspection contingency (which it should), a home inspection that reveals serious flaws can allow you to walk away from the deal without penalty. It can also give you room to negotiate with the seller to make repairs before closing, saving you money and potential hassle down the road.
All home inspections are different and can vary dramatically from state to state, as well as across counties and cities. Also, in many states, home inspectors are not licensed. It’s important to be familiar with what will be included in your home inspection, as well as which items are generally not part of the standard “comprehensive” inspection.
For example, Eli Ristine, Broker Associate from Pan Florida Realty, suggests homebuyers always request a Septic or Sewer Inspection, which is not typically included in a comprehensive home inspection. She also recommends that buyers pay special attention to the Termite Inspection, 4-Point Inspection (for houses 30+ years old), and Mitigation Inspection – all of which are typically included in most South Florida inspections.
A standard home inspection typically does NOT include the following, for which a specific license to inspect and identify may be required:
•Asbestos
•Radon, Methane, Radiation and Formaldehyde
•Wood-Destroying Organisms
•Mold, Mildew and Fungi
•Rodents
•Lead
Here are items that are generally included in a standard Home Inspection:
•Structural Elements. Construction of walls, ceilings, floors, roof and foundation.
•Exterior Evaluation. Wall covering, landscaping, grading, elevation, drainage, driveways, fences, sidewalks, fascia, trim, doors, windows, lights and exterior receptacles.
•Roof and Attic. Framing, ventilation, type of roof construction, flashing and gutters. It does not include a guarantee of roof condition nor a roof certification.
•Plumbing. Identification of pipe materials used for potable, drain, waste and vent pipes. including condition. Toilets, showers, sinks, faucets and traps. REMEMBER: It does not include a sewer or septic inspection.
•Systems and Components. Water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning, duct work, chimney, fireplace and sprinklers. Usually a separate chimney inspection is performed if the inspector suspects there is a problem. Not all home inspectors will check sprinklers to make sure they operate correctly.
•Electrical. Main panel, circuit breakers, types of wiring, grounding, exhaust fans, receptacles, ceiling fans and light fixtures. Ask if the electrical panel is on a recall list. Is it up to code? Does the electrical panel user breakers (preferred) or fuses (outdated)?
•Appliances. Dishwasher, range and oven, built-in microwaves, garbage disposal and, yes, even smoke detectors. Washers and dryers are typically included as well if they remain with the home, but ask because those appliances are personal property.
•Garage. Slab, walls, ceiling, vents, entry, firewall, garage door, openers, lights, receptacles, exterior, windows and roof. If the garage is attached to the home, it might also require a pest inspection, depending on the type of loan the borrower is obtaining.
Home inspectors aren’t required to guarantee their work. That means if they miss something that turns out to be a costly problem after you complete the sale, you may have little recourse. Bankrate.com advises, “Look for an inspector that’s backed by an organization like the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, which says it will buy your home back within 90 days of closing if one of its participating home inspectors misses anything substantive.” You should be there in person while the inspector is going through the house, says Colorado real estate agent Mindy Jensen, community manager for the real estate investing site BiggerPockets.com. This way you can see for yourself what’s being inspected and ask questions.
Although home inspectors are reluctant to and, in some cases, refuse to disclose repair costs, call a contractor to determine the scope and expense to fix minor problems yourself. Talk to your agent, family, friends and call a few contractors to discuss which types of defects are minor. Perhaps a simple solution is available such as replacing a $1.99 receptacle, which can resolve many outlet problems.
Getting a home inspection and carrying around a home inspection checklist are nearly always good ideas. “Any inspection has limitations, but it’s worth the few hundred dollars you will pay to get a better idea of what you’re signing up for,” advises biggerpockets.com. Further, an inspection will often pay for itself in items you can ask the seller to repair.
Sources: totalhomeinspection.com; thebalance.com; bankrate.com; biggerpockets.com; panfloridarealty.com
Photo Credit: Freepik.com
