7 Things You Didn’t Know About Home Inspections

Real Estate Tips
January 8, 2024

What are 7 Things You Didn’t Know About Home Assessments?

It’s normal for a house to go through many defects and damages over the years. Fortunately, homebuyers can protect themselves from unexpected repairs by investing in a home inspection before buying a home! Simply hire a professional to oversee the house and discover any defects they may have.

However, before you conduct a home inspection, there may be some things you were unaware of. Take a look at the 7 things you didn’t know about home inspections to ensure you have a successful assessment:

It’s Best Not to Hire an Inspector That Conducts Repairs: Some homebuyers believe home inspectors should repair the damages they find. While it’s not bad to think that, you may benefit from not hiring an inspector who also fixes home defects. The reason is that someone hired to do both tasks may not be as attentive to the details as someone who’s only there to inspect your home. Or, even worse, an inspector who conducts repairs may find too many “problems” for them to fix, skimming you money along the way. It’s best to keep inspections and repairs separate to help you save cash in the long run.

Home Inspections Can Find More Than Structural Changes: It’s easy to think home inspections only serve to find structural problems. However, house inspections can focus more on other things, such as electrical systems, heating, ventilation, air conditioning systems, and the property’s plumbing. Additionally, inspectors can find other items, such as mildew, mold, and pest infestation problems. Speak with a Real Estate Agent in Encinitas today if you’re curious about what else home inspections can do.

Home Inspections are Not Just for Homes on Sale: Homebuyers can benefit from knowing that inspections can be done on properties not currently listed on the market. If you found an ideal property that has been vacant for a while, consider setting an inspection to find hidden defects. Your wallet will surely thank you in the future.

Inspectors Typically Don’t Oversee the Grounds: If you’re hoping for an inspector to oversee the entire grounds of your property, you may be disappointed. While it’s easy to believe home inspectors should inspect the grounds of a house, many inspectors solely focus on the interior/exterior of the property itself. Additionally, inspectors usually don’t overlook a home’s underground pipes or septic systems. So, if you’re looking to get a home with outdoor buildings or features, be sure to negotiate those items with an inspector. If they’re unwilling to do that work, you should consider hiring a second inspector who can do that job for you.

Inspectors Don’t Have to Climb a Roof: Inspectors are mainly inclined to inspect a property, but that doesn’t mean they have to climb anywhere. While inspectors have to observe the roof of a home, they’re not obligated to climb to the actual roof to see it; it’s up to the actual inspector themselves to consider the idea of going up there or not. So, if you want someone to oversee the entire roof, it is important to research an inspector willing to do that.

The Cost of Home Inspections Can Vary: Unfortunately, getting a home inspection isn’t a fixed cost. Depending on the size and age of your property, the home inspection can range from $300 to $500. However, don’t be surprised if the costs exceed those average prices.

A Realtor Can Help You Find Good Inspectors: Did you know a Realtor in Encinitas or elsewhere can source helpful inspectors for you? If you work with a trustworthy Realtor in Encinitas, you could find professional inspectors that won’t cheat you from your hard-earned money. However, talking to your Realtor’s recommendations first before hiring them is essential.

Do you have any questions about the 7 things you didn’t know about home inspections? Of course, there are more things you may be unaware of, and it’s important to have all the necessary information. Speak with Linda Moore for more facts about home inspections and ask for her suggestions on reliable inspectors in Encinitas.