It’s very easy to get caught up in the excitement of becoming a homeowner. You walk through the house and see the fresh paint, the hardwood floors, the granite countertops, and that wraparound porch you’ve always wanted. You’re ready to pull the trigger and buy your dream home. What you don’t see, however, is the patched roof, the cracks in the foundation, the antique plumbing, the broken appliances, or other defects that could be revealed when you do a home inspection.
Home inspections are a key part of the home buying process that could potentially save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Your new home is a major investment and it is one that you will have to live with for a while. Remembering to take a time-out to do a inspect a home properly before you fall in love with the property is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself. Here are a few great reasons why you should have a professional inspect a property before you buy your home.
Don’t judge a house by its cover.
If you are buying a newer home, it may feel like a waste of time to inspect it thoroughly. The fact is, though, that no matter what the age of the home is, there is always a potential for costly troubles that may be unknown to the average buyer. Problems with wiring, plumbing, or structural issues may not be visible during a showing. Remember that the seller is putting their best foot forward when they put a house on the market. No matter the age of the house, a new paint job can cover a multitude of issues. Even before you get to the interior, you can do your own inspection by simply walking around the home’s exterior. You’ll want to check for rotten or damaged siding, water pooling around the house, broken gutters, and some peeling or bubbled paint. These could all be signs of some trouble that might need to be addressed.
Another area of the home that you will want to take note of is the roof. The roof is an important part of the house, and it’s your home’s first line of defense against the weather and climate of the area. A home’s roof isn’t made to last forever. Checking for bad shingles, leaks, flashing problems, rotted wood, and other issues will ensure that you know what you are getting. Your finance company will also want to know about the condition of the roof before approving funding. Contacting a professional like Fairfax Roofing Company to check for roof issues and give you an estimate of any needed repairs will one of the best things to do. Roof repair can be costly, not to mention the cost of a new roof if it comes to that. That’s why you want to make sure you have professional roofing contractors explain all of your roofing needs and potential roof repairs before signing any papers.
Find ways to save money.
Inspecting the home you’re considering may incur some cost, but will be worth it in the long run. Home inspection costs vary depending on the size and age of the home. While you may be out a few hundred dollars initially, those who skip out on the expense may realize in a few years taking the time to inspect the property for busted shingles, mold, or cracked foundations was much cheaper than rewiring or putting a new roof on the entire house. Knowing what you are getting into upfront will avoid any surprises later.
Inspecting gives you negotiation power.
A big advantage of inspecting the home before you buy it is the power it might give you to negotiate. Just because you might notice some work that needs to be done, that doesn’t mean that roof repair or new windows are a deal-breaker. If a home you’re really interested in is has a few issues, information gathered during the home inspection may give you the bargaining power to talk down the price. Knowing what work needs to be done to the home and how much it could potentially cost to fix a leaky roof to prevent further damage could help you get a better price from the seller.
Know what you’re buying.
In the end, the most important reason that should do a home inspection is to really understand what you’re buying. Research your potential home like you would any other major purchase. You are going to invest a lot of money into a home that you will have for a while. The more you know upfront will reduce the surprises that might arise down the road.
