What to Look For When Hiring a Forgotten Coast of Florida Home Inspector
Home inspectors are the guys who prevent future headaches for both sellers and prospective buyers. If you are a first-time homebuyer, an inspection could reveal problems that aren't noticeable up front. A home inspection requires the seller to fix what needs fixing before you buy the home. Issues can be found that might make the prospective buyer no longer interested in purchasing the home. If you are a seller, a home inspection can help you detect problems before taking the leap and putting your house on the market, also known as the pre-listing inspection.
A typical home inspection will cover all mechanical systems, the integrity of the structure, cosmetic features, and other aspects of the house hidden from sight. These might look like the following:
- Electrical
- Heating & Cooling Systems
- Interior & Exterior
- Plumbing
- Baths
- Garages
- Kitchen Interior & Exterior
- Insects
- Chimney
- Exterior Walls
- Slabs
- Foundation
- Basement & Crawl Space
- Attic & Roof Examination
A typical home inspection usually takes 2-3 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the home.
What You Can Expect on Home Inspection Day
On the big home inspection day, the professional home inspector performs a site evaluation. A home inspector will take you on a tour to point out assets as well as potential problems. It is recommended that as you go through your tour you pay attention, ask questions, and watch. A thorough home inspection can find problems related to issues such as moisture intrusion, pest infestation, roof leaks, failed plumbing, wet basements, unsafe electrical wiring, mold and mildew, and safety hazards that pose health risks.
Ben Burks of The Burks Team had this to say about expectations on home inspection day:
"At the end of the inspection, a written report will be procured that details all findings. The report will contain photos as well as descriptions of any damages or defects found during the inspection as well as details on the locations where damage was detected. Pictures can help you to understand the scope and location of the damage, with a visual proof to make it easier to understand what your repair estimates will be."
How can you know if your chosen home inspector has the expertise to exercise a home inspection of your home? Experience comes into play, making it important for you, as the buyer or seller, to check the inspector's background and references. Home inspections should be thorough, but not even the best home inspectors can catch everything.
What to Look for in a Home Inspector
- Look into getting a home inspector before you shop for your future home.
- Ask around for recommendations for local inspectors.
- Ask plenty of questions, including backgrounds, how long they've been in the business, and how many inspections they have successfully performed.
- Look for an inspector with tons of knowledge of a home's system.
- Make sure your home inspector is objective, independent, and doesn't have an affiliation with the real estate agency selling the home.
- Choose an inspector that carries errors and omissions insurance.
- Make sure you understand the consequences of Radon and if you need it mitigated.
- Speak with at least 3 inspectors and have confidence in their skills and demeanor.
- Make sure that your inspector is familiar with the type of home you are considering buying–including age, design, materials, and special risks or clues to hidden damage.
- Choose an inspector who can deliver a complete report with tons of extra time to review.
- Request an electronic copy from your inspector to forward to family and friends.
Conclusion
Home inspections are a crucial part of the home-buying process, helping to avoid costly surprises in the long run, and providing peace of mind in knowing that your home is in good condition. A home-buying inspection could save you a lot of money in the long run–remember, new or old before you buy. Let the professionals at the Coastal Realty Group guide you in finding your dream home in the many coastal communities on the Forgotten Coast of Florida today!
