Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions and one of the largest investments you may make!

Why get a Home Inspection?

A complete home inspection is a must.  No matter how much you love a home don't forfeit your inspection (unless you are experienced with renovations/construction).  A home may look beautiful and have all of the things you want, but it may have many hidden secrets.  A professional home inspection will enable you to learn a great deal about the ins - and - outs of a particular home, answer questions, and give you a peace of mind on your purchase. 

It is usually recommended to inspect a property before signing the contract.  This will help iron out any problems before contracts are fully executed. 

Hiring an Inspector:

If you don't already have a particular inspector in mind, ask someone you trust for a reference.

Inspections should be scheduled within a few days of accepted offer and one or all parties purchasing the property should be present during the inspection. The Inspection will cost several hundred dollars (depending on location) due upon completion. The inspector will perform a comprehensive evaluation of the home and property, doing everything from testing outlets and faucets; to identifying signs of dampness, termites or carbon monoxide; to making sure walls are strong and windows are secure.  It is important to schedule your inspection during daylight and allow a few hours for the actual inspection.

The inspector should deliver a written report within one or two days. It's normal to have a handful of small issues that need attention or repair (No house is perfect). Work with your agent to decide which items are the most important to discuss with the seller.

Problem Examples and Estimated Cost: (price will depend on the location)

If you home inspector finds no serious problems, the inspection can pay off indirectly.  In addition to identifying immediate needed repairs, you'll be alerted to future maintenance issues as well.  It's always good to know up front what to expect, and how much such repairs could cost.  Also, a home warranty would be great to purchase at closing to give you that piece of mind.