Before you purchase a home, it is a requirement to conduct a thorough inspection. The condition of the property is crucial, and you don't want to spend money on buying a home that requires months of additional renovation. With that in mind, let's look at the home inspection checklist for buyers, and help you learn how to discern a valuable property from a waste of money.
Should you inspect a home by yourself or hire a professional?
It is no secret that home inspections cost money. Because of that, people often decide to inspect the home on their own. That is not always a smart choice.
Unless you are a home inspection expert with a lot of experience, we always advise seeking the help of professionals. They will know exactly what to look for, and how to discover any issues that a property might have.
Whether you are a buyer or a seller, the easiest way to get in touch with a professional home inspector is if you first look for a top real estate agent. Not only can they help you find the perfect home, but they also have contacts in other fields and can point you to the right person.
Nevertheless, it does not hurt to learn what to inspect when buying a home. It is smart advice to always learn as much as possible about any topic of interest, especially when it comes to buying a home. Furthermore, there are some things that home inspectors will not look at. That's why you should always be prepared.
What does a home inspection include?
If you decide to hire a home inspector, you should know that they are primarily concerned with the physical condition of the place. They will first check the foundation, roof and attic space, walls, floors, and the ceiling. Next, a home inspector will check plumbing fixtures, all the faucets, water heaters, thermostats, heating and cooling systems, and ventilation. Also, electrical installations, lighting, power outlets, and electrical appliances.
Once that is done, the home inspector will continue with inspecting windows and doors, steps and stairs, and slowly move outside to check the exterior stucco and paint. Then, the gutters, downspouts, porch or balcony, walkways and driveways, basement, and garage.
As you can see, this is quite a lengthy home inspection checklist for buyers, and the inspection might take a few hours to complete.
Nevertheless, if you wish to have a Georgia relocation done stress-free, this inspection is a must. You don't want to move into a house that is not thoroughly inspected, as the safety of your family is at stake.
This is what you probably won't find in the inspection report
As we mentioned above, there are some things that a home inspector will not look at. If you receive a home inspection report and don't find these things on it, do not be surprised:
● sprinklers system
● landscaping and trees around the house
● unpleasant odors
● sewer line and drainage system
● rats, mice, and other rodents, or different types of pests
Furthermore, while an inspector will check the floor, this might be skipped if there is a carpet on it. The same applies to checking the roof if there is snow on it. The home inspector will also not check the fireplace or chimney.
Knowing these things is crucial because then you can check them yourself. Additionally, once you look at the inspection report, you will know if a home inspector missed an essential part of the inspection. If that happens, you have the right to a refund, since they did not honor their part of the agreement.
The importance of a seller's disclosure
Even though there are some things that a home inspector won't check, there are other ways to gather more information about the house. A home inspection checklist for buyers is not complete without a seller's disclosure report. Here is where you can learn more about the house and any possible defects, neighbors, and the neighborhood. You can get this disclosure from your real estate agent.
Have in mind that almost all states require a seller's disclosure, but the penalties for not providing it vary from state to state. In some states, the penalty is really low, and the seller would rather pay the fine than provide a disclosure report. That should almost always be considered a red flag!
I cannot afford a professional home inspection - what are my options?
It sometimes happens that a buyer cannot afford to hire a home inspector, whatever the reason may be. Even though the next logical option is to do the inspection by yourself, there is actually a secret way to get money and hire a professional.
You can hire a company that will connect you with top agents on the market, and you will get 15% of their commission at closing. How it works, you ask?
It is pretty simple if you know the right people! You can use the extra money to hire a home inspector, or maybe even to upgrade some things in your new home.
Taking care of the relocation
While you are looking for a house, there is no reason why you should not start planning a relocation as well. Once the purchase is complete, you may relocate quickly and with ease with the help of professional movers like those at authoritymovinggroup.com. Just be sure to get estimates from at least three companies.
A home inspection checklist for buyers - delivered!
And there you have it! This lengthy home inspection checklist for buyers will help you pick the best place for you and your loved ones. You will sleep better if you know that you invested money in the best property you could afford. There is no room for mistakes when buying a home, and a home inspection is always a must. Best of luck in finding the place of your dreams!
Written by: Lisa Robert with US Moving Experts