The Most Common Home Inspection Mistakes
Towards the end of the purchasing-of-a-house process, there comes the “ home inspection stage.” During this crucial step, both buyers and sellers make a few big home inspection mistakes.
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, of which many professionals are certified, a standard home inspection includes 10 aspects of the home: “structure, exterior, roofing system, plumbing system, electrical system, heating system, air conditioning system, interior, insulation and ventilation, and fireplaces.”
It may seem like a no brainer: The inspector inspects the house, the seller makes the necessary adjustments (or the contract is negotiated further to reflect the inspector’s report), and the buyer moves in.
The lists below detail the most common home inspection mistakes and how to avoid them, whether you’re the buyer or the seller. (If you have further questions about the inspection process, give Maureen Bryant’s team a call today.)
Buyer Mistakes
Not thoroughly researching their chosen home inspector.
Check out the types of inspections this professional makes, how detailed his reports are, and what certifications he holds. Hire someone who can not only find the weaknesses in a home, but who also has the ability to explain what these things mean. Also look for someone who stays up-to-date on the current codes.
Not attending the inspection.
Related to the first mistake, the second is not tagging along. This is a great opportunity to see what the inspector sees and understand the report that you’ll receive by getting the explanations and illustrations in real time. Ask questions (but don’t be too distracting that you prevent the inspector from focusing and noticing something important).
Foregoing an inspection on a new-construction home.
Just because the home was recently built doesn’t mean that there aren’t any (potential) issues. Some building companies may cut corners, and no one has lived in the house, so you can’t tell (for example) if the appliances and electric work as they should.
Thinking inspectors can predict the future.
Remember that inspectors are only reviewing the house in that moment. They can tell you how old certain appliances and systems are as well as their general lifespan, but they can’t tell you when that particular HVAC system in your dream home will need to be replaced. This article for Realtor.com suggests budgeting “1% of the value of the house per year for maintenance.”
Seller Mistakes
Not preparing the home for inspection.
Tidying the home, leaving keys for locked doors, and clearing the way to get into crawl spaces and attics are all examples of how not to annoy the home inspector. A good rule of thumb would be staying until the inspector arrives, providing your cell number, and then leaving.
Not fixing the small things before the inspection.
A hundred dollars in minor repairs could save you thousands of dollars in the negotiating phase. Some buyers get spooked by a laundry list of repairs on an inspector’s report, even those as minor as replacing an outlet cover; negligence on small things like this can place doubt in their mind as to what larger issues you may have neglected or are trying to cover up. To prevent the deal from going south, head to the hardware store and show your home a little TLC before the big day comes.
Time to Make a Move
If you’re ready to move, then it’s time to contact a realtor who’s incredibly familiar with the greater Savannah area and can help you find the perfect home for you and your family. If you’re interested in open houses in the greater Savannah area. We’d love to talk with you because no one knows Savannah better than us.
