What is the Purpose of a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is often a necessary part of the home buying process. The main purpose of a home inspection is to provide the buyer’s side the opportunity to find any issues with the home. These issues could range from foundation cracks to major water damage. While a home inspection is not required, it is extremely encouraged. You do not want to buy a home and find out that it has a cracked foundation or water damage! Those repairs can cost thousands.

What to Expect From a Home Inspection

During the home inspection, you can expect to choose your own home inspector! It can be someone you trust, but they must be licensed to counter anything. In order for a home inspector to determine the presence of hazardous materials, they need to properly test samples in a lab. 

Apart from this testing, you can expect the home inspector to:

  • Look at All Appliances: All of the appliances in the home will be inspected for functionality. This includes ovens, light switches, and the air conditioning! In addition to this, an inspector will also make sure that the doors close properly. 
  • Check out the Electrical and Plumbing: A home inspector will always check the plumbing and electrical fixtures. They will check for breaker boxes and factor in the year that the home was built. The older the house, the more potential there is for there to be electrical issues. 
  •  Poke Around in the Attic and Basement: Typically, a home inspector will check the attic for pests or damage. In the basement, an inspector will check for any major leaks and issues with the water heater. The furnace will be looked at for age and potential malfunction as well. 

How Long is the Inspector Going to Take? 

Typically, a home inspection can last anywhere from 1-2 1/2 hours, depending on the size of the home. You want a home inspector to be thorough! The average home inspector can cost anywhere from $200-$400 dollars depending on your area. A home inspector is not necessary, but they can be a helpful tool to utilize when you are purchasing a home. 
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