If you’re looking to purchase a home, a crucial part of the overall buying process is hiring a professional home inspector to look over the house and inspect for any major flaws that may need to be fixed before move-in day. Why is this important? Because sometimes even if the house looks like it’s in pristine condition, there could be underlying flaws that may need fixed. After all, looks can sometimes be deceiving, right?
What Does a Home Inspector Look For?
There are several major areas in which a professional home inspector looks at when doing a run-through on your future home:
- Grounds
- Structure
- Roofing
- Home exterior
- Interior rooms
- Windows, doors, and trim
- Kitchen
- Bathroom
- Plumbing
- Electrical
5 Things Your Home Inspector Might Miss
If you hire the right person for the job, your home inspector should do a phenomenal job of catching any and all house related issues to the above list of inspections, it is important to note that not every home inspector will catch everything. A home inspector’s ultimate job is to look for material defects of a property, or anything that might not be working or cause danger to the future homeowner.
What home inspectors oftentimes don’t test for, however, are environmental issues, such as:
- Mold or vermin (if hidden behind the surface)
- Lead paint or radon in the air
- Child safety issues, such as steepness of stairs, splinters in the cabinets, etc.
- Outdoor pool safety issues
- Failing heat or AC equipment
- Damaged/blocked sewer lines
- Internal chimney problems
Unfortunately, when the above items are missed, new homeowners can find themselves with tens of thousands of dollars spent in repairs they were unprepared for. This is why we recommend doing your due diligence in research ahead of time, before you purchase your home.
5 Tips to Avoid Extra Home Repair Costs
Some ways in which you can either (1) avoid as many unexpected costs as possible or (2) be prepared for any unexpected costs is to:
- Consider going beyond a standard home inspection, especially if you are living with young children or older adults who are more susceptible to safety hazards. You can always ask this extra cost to be covered in the asking price.
- Put aside money to cover any additional/unexpected costs. Budget higher than the cost of the house you are looking to purchase.
- Consider bringing in additional safety experts to review the items in which a home inspector may miss. Again, you can ask that this be covered in the purchasing costs.
- Do your own research. Research things to look for when purchasing and inspecting a home, and check for these items yourself.
- Conduct thorough interviews with potential home inspectors. Don’t just choose “Joe” down the street because he is the cheapest. Make sure you are getting a quality, professional home inspector in order to save you money in the long run.
How Can You Help Your Inspector?
Another way you can avoid additional costs is to be open with your home inspector. Before your home inspector goes through the house, bring to the table any concerns that you may have ahead of time so that they can be sure to address them. You may also consider making the rounds with your inspector as he goes through the home, in case you come across any questions or concerns. This will also help you to understand more about the home and its systems. If something is currently malfunctioning, the home inspector can explain why and show you what to do when this happens. Accompanying your home inspector is always a good idea.
Are you looking to purchase a home this summer? Already have a home in mind, but need professional home inspector suggestions? We can help! Give the experts at Lakeshore REALTORS a call (419) 586-6427 or contact us today!
PS Are you selling a house, rather than purchasing? Click here for some great tips to help you pass the home inspection checklist.