Home inspection is an important part of the home buying process. By catching any potential problems with a property, you can save yourself a lot of money and headache in the long run. However, even if you’re savvy about home inspections, it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are 10 common ones to watch out for.
1. Failing to properly document the home inspection. When you’re in the process of buying a home, it can be tempting to simply focus on what needs fixing and move on with the sale. However, documenting the results of your home inspection is important for several reasons. First, it will help you keep track of any potential problems that may arise later down the line. Second, if there are any disagreements with the seller over repairs or other issues, having documentation can help make your case stronger.
2. Not doing your research ahead of time about common types of house defects. There are certain types of deficiencies that tend to pop up frequently during a home inspection – things like structural damage or poor ventilation systems being two examples. By doing your research ahead of time and knowing what to look for, you can be better prepared to deal with any problems that may come up.
3. Hiring the first home inspector you come across. Just like with any other service, it pays to shop around when you’re looking for a home inspector. Ask for recommendations from friends or family, and be sure to read online reviews before making your final decision.
4. Not being present for the home inspection. While it’s not required that you be present for the entire home inspection, it is highly recommended. This way, you can ask the inspector questions about anything you’re unsure of and get a first-hand look at any problems that are discovered.
5. Assuming that the home inspector will find everything that’s wrong with the property. A home inspection is a thorough examination of the property, but it’s important to remember that inspectors are only human. There’s always a chance that they could miss something, so it’s important to stay vigilant and be on the lookout for any potential problems yourself.
6. Underestimating the cost of repairs. When you’re trying to stick to a strict budget, it can be easy to underestimate how much certain repairs may cost. However, doing so could lead to some nasty surprises down the line once those repairs have finally been made and you get your bill from the contractor.
7. Failing to get a second opinion. If you’re unsure about anything that the home inspector told you, it’s always a good idea to get a second (or even third) opinion from another professional.
8. Not asking for clarification on the home inspector’s report. Once the inspection is complete and you’ve received the report, take some time to go over it thoroughly. If there are any points that you don’t understand or that you want clarification on, be sure to ask the inspector before moving forward.
9. Making assumptions about what the home inspector did or didn’t check. Just because a certain area of the house wasn’t mentioned in the report doesn’t mean that the inspector didn’t examine it. If you’re unsure about something, the best course of action is to simply ask the inspector directly.
10. Failing to follow up after the home inspection. Just because the inspection is over doesn’t mean your work is done. If any issues were discovered during the inspection, be sure to follow up with the appropriate parties to make sure they’re addressed in a timely manner. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your new home is in tip-top shape before you move in.
Home inspection is an important part of the home buying process. By catching any potential problems with a property, a home inspector helps you to avoid major issues down the line. There are several mistakes that home buyers often make when it comes to home inspections, however. These include underestimating the cost of repairs, failing to get a second opinion, and making assumptions about what the home inspector did or didn’t check. To avoid these mistakes and others, remember these tips when hiring your next home inspector.
Final Thoughts
Buying a house is one of the biggest decisions you will ever make in your life, so it’s important to take all necessary steps to ensure that you’re getting exactly what you want out of the process. One important step is working with a good home inspector who can help you identify any potential problems with the property before moving forward. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can put yourself in a better position to make the right decision when buying your dream home.
Hiring a Professional Vancouver Home Inspector
By following the tips above, you will be able to hire a good home inspector and avoid mistakes during the purchase process. If you’re in the market for a new home, it’s important to work with a good home inspector who can help you identify any potential problems with the property before moving forward. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can put yourself in a better position to make the right decision when buying your dream home. For more information on how to avoid these mistakes, contact us today.
