Image courtesy of Welcome Home Inspections
No matter which side of the sale we’re on—representing the buyer or the seller—there is always a nervous anticipation when it comes to the inspection. As a buyer, the inspection is a reality check that is a bit like jumping from the 1st date to the 10th date, and you may learn some details about the house that leave you a bit uncomfortable. If you’re the seller, a long list of problems could kill your sale or directly cut into your home’s value. You may have initially listed your cozy Cape Cod for $200,000, but a serious foundational issue could torpedo the sale—or cost you an extra $10,000 (5% of your sale price!). As the buyer, an inspection that comes back with a series of issues could work in your favor since you can use them to negotiate a lower price or have the seller fix them before you move in—or it could completely turn you away.
Regardless of your position in the sale, it’s important to understand how the home inspection works.
10 Things Your Home Inspector Will Look For
In general, home inspectors use the same checklist from one house to the next. They are often looking for the same factors, including:
HVAC - How efficient is your HVAC system? Are there signs of excessive wear?
Interior plumbing - Are there leaks? What materials are used in the pipes? Are there any signs of water damage?
Electrical systems - Are all electrics up to code? Is any wiring faulty or exposed?
Roof - Are the shingles intact? Are there any signs of leaks or excessive wear?
Attic - Is there sufficient insulation? Are these pests? Is there sufficient ventilation?
Floors - Are the floors level and safe? Are there any holes someone could fall through?
Windows - Are the windows properly sealed and intact?
Foundation - Are there any structural issues to the foundation that could threaten the integrity of the overall home?
Basement - Does the basement flood? If there is moisture, is the basement damp? Are there signs of mold?
Doors - Are the doors easy to access? Do exterior doors lead to safe, level landings?
By preparing for these ahead of time, you can make your home inspection as simple as possible.
How to Handle a Home Inspection as a Seller
As the seller, you want your home inspection to go as smoothly as possible. Follow these steps for a stress-free inspection:
1. Make sure the house is tidy. If you have any sort of construction or painting going on, make sure there is a clear path for the inspector to walk and that all tools are out of the way. When you’re cleaning up, don’t forget your attic and basement! Any doors should have easy access.
2. Make sure the utilities and pilot light is on. Your inspector needs to make sure your HVAC, electrics, and plumbing work properly, so check that everything is turned on before the inspector gets there.
3. Clean up outside! Your yard doesn’t need to be immaculate, but important access points should be easy to get to. If you have a septic tank, tidy the area around it. If you have a crawl space under the home, move any fallen branches or yard furniture so the inspector can reach it.
Remember: Your inspector is human. The easier you make the inspector’s job, the nicer they’ll be to you. If you give them a good experience, they may be a little more lenient on your inspection.
How to Handle a Home Inspection as a Buyer
You don’t have to be at the inspection as the buyer, but there are many advantages to being present (especially if you can properly socially distance and remain safe during COVID-19)!
Advantages to going through the inspection with the inspector include:
1. You can ask questions in-person. Inspectors will give you a report of the issues they uncover, but they may not always make sense to you if you’ve never owned a home before! Being in-person gives you an opportunity to ask for clarification and advice on moving forward. Inspectors often have a good sense of how problems form, how to correct them, and the complexity of correcting them. If your inspector uncovers a leaky pipe, for example, they may be able to recommend a local plumber (note: check our neighborhood reports for a plumber near you!) and ballpark the costs for a repaid.
2. You can learn more about the property. Every home tells a story. Pulling up your carpet to find a hardwood floor tells you a little about the people who lived in your home before you. Similarly, an inspector can spot different additions and quirks of your home, giving you a little more insight into problems you might encounter in the future.
3. You can raise specific concerns. If you noticed something that seemed off during a previous tour of the home and are burning to ask about it, the inspection is a good time to have a train professional look at the issue and explain whether or not you should be concerned.
Staying engaged before, during, and after the inspection as the buyer always works in your favor!
Make the Most of the Inspection
Home inspections can be stressful for everyone involved. By preparing ahead of time, you can make sure they’re as beneficial as possible!
Cheers,
Julie & Ted