Is it a good idea to hire a home inspector when you purchase a home? Heck Yes! Home inspections are an integral part of the home buying process and a necessary step to take to make sure you know what you are getting into. For example, when you buy a used car, you expect your mechanic to take a look, right? Of course you do, that is why you need to hire a home inspector.
All good real estate agents will strongly suggest you have a home inspector come out to look at the home you are purchasing - look at the inspection clause in the purchase contract. You will be paying for the home inspector yourself so you'd better know what they are going to do for you!
The Job of the Home Inspector:
All qualified home inspectors will take a couple hours to go through the ins and outs of the house, crawl into the attic, on the roof, look at the plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems throughout the home and give you the run down. They will be able to identify any health and safety hazards, damage, poor condition, poor workmanship and anything else which may need attention or TLC. The Inspector looks at the heating and cooling systems, the presence of termites, the functionality of the appliances as well as the structural integrity of the building.
The inspection report typically is between 10-20 written pages and will include a summary of the major issues that need to be addressed. The report will go on to index the condition of the property as it relates to the structure, roof, foundation, walls, windows, doors, insulation, attic and then continue on room by room.
Don't be scared by the report:
There is no such thing as a perfect home. Usually there are 20-50 items that come up on an inspection report. These items do not technically mean that they are non-functional but that they may need some minor work or upkeep to remain functional.
The inspection report does not mean the house is a bad house, it just is giving you the information as the home buyer to make a fully informed decision. You will now have the opportunity to negotiate for some of the more extensive repairs, adjust the price down to account for the repairs needed or to cancel the contract is the condition of the property is not what you expected when you made your offer.
Remember: You are not a Home Inspector!
There are very few of us that have the experience to go through and look at every aspect of a property and determine if problems exist. It is best to leave it to the pros!
How do you find a good inspector? Your real estate agent should be able to help you get in touch with a reliable Inspector with a proven track record. Here are my suggestions:
Cowboy Home Inspections
Bob Hickerson
(602) 790-8231
ACSI (American Construction Specialists & Investigations)
Scott Warga
480-636-7400
Remember that the inspection is for the big items - the ones that are costly to repair, not for the little crack in the wall, the broken face plate or the lack of GFCI outlets in the home.
Looking for help buying a home? Contact Chelsea Elwood, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty East Valley at (480) 503-9293 for help.
Click here for Homes For Sale in Gilbert
Click Here for Homes For Sale in Chandler
Click Here for Homes For Sale in Mesa
Click Here for Homes For Sale in Queen Creek
Click Here for Homes For Sale in Tempe
All good real estate agents will strongly suggest you have a home inspector come out to look at the home you are purchasing - look at the inspection clause in the purchase contract. You will be paying for the home inspector yourself so you'd better know what they are going to do for you!
The Job of the Home Inspector:
All qualified home inspectors will take a couple hours to go through the ins and outs of the house, crawl into the attic, on the roof, look at the plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems throughout the home and give you the run down. They will be able to identify any health and safety hazards, damage, poor condition, poor workmanship and anything else which may need attention or TLC. The Inspector looks at the heating and cooling systems, the presence of termites, the functionality of the appliances as well as the structural integrity of the building.
The inspection report typically is between 10-20 written pages and will include a summary of the major issues that need to be addressed. The report will go on to index the condition of the property as it relates to the structure, roof, foundation, walls, windows, doors, insulation, attic and then continue on room by room.
Don't be scared by the report:
There is no such thing as a perfect home. Usually there are 20-50 items that come up on an inspection report. These items do not technically mean that they are non-functional but that they may need some minor work or upkeep to remain functional.
The inspection report does not mean the house is a bad house, it just is giving you the information as the home buyer to make a fully informed decision. You will now have the opportunity to negotiate for some of the more extensive repairs, adjust the price down to account for the repairs needed or to cancel the contract is the condition of the property is not what you expected when you made your offer.
Remember: You are not a Home Inspector!
There are very few of us that have the experience to go through and look at every aspect of a property and determine if problems exist. It is best to leave it to the pros!
How do you find a good inspector? Your real estate agent should be able to help you get in touch with a reliable Inspector with a proven track record. Here are my suggestions:
Cowboy Home Inspections
Bob Hickerson
(602) 790-8231
ACSI (American Construction Specialists & Investigations)
Scott Warga
480-636-7400
Remember that the inspection is for the big items - the ones that are costly to repair, not for the little crack in the wall, the broken face plate or the lack of GFCI outlets in the home.
Looking for help buying a home? Contact Chelsea Elwood, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty East Valley at (480) 503-9293 for help.
Click here for Homes For Sale in Gilbert
Click Here for Homes For Sale in Chandler
Click Here for Homes For Sale in Mesa
Click Here for Homes For Sale in Queen Creek
Click Here for Homes For Sale in Tempe
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