When you purchase a home, you have the legal right to have it inspected by a professional. And, there are five facts you should know about home inspections so you aren’t under the wrong impression. For instance, even new construction homes need an inspection. The reasons why are simple — because the builder won’t be present for every phase or there for every part of the job. You should go into a home purchase with as much information as possible. And, an experienced home inspector will uncover any issues so you don’t unwittingly purchase a huge amount of buyer’s remorse.

5 Facts about Home Inspections Buyers need to Know

There are several reasons to get a home inspection, even if it’s being sold in “as-is” condition. First and foremost, is knowing the true condition of the property. Also, being made aware of future possibilities — like needing a new roof in few years or needing some electrical wiring upgrades. The truth of the matter is, you should expect a few things from a home inspection. You should be present for the home inspection.

“Congratulations, your offer was accepted and you’re going to be a homeowner! After you’ve made all your phone calls to share the big news and sipped on a glass or two of celebratory campaign, it’s time to move on to the next step in the home buying process: the home inspection. At first glance, property inspections can seem daunting, especially if you’ve never been through the process.” —Fresh Home

You should also ask plenty of questions of the inspector during the process. This is also a great time to learn how to work things in the house. And, you can inquire about possible scenarios by asking the inspector what needs immediate attention. The whole inspection will take about two hours to complete, so you’ll likely learn a lot during that time. Take notes along the way so you don’t forget things. When you hire an inspector, you’re paying to learn about the house itself. So, here are five facts about home inspections buyers need to know:

• You are able to choose the home inspector. As the buyer, you are entitled to conduct a professional home inspection with a licensed contractor. Most are members of the National Association of Home Inspectors or NAHI, must complete a training program, and must adhere to the organization’s standards of practice.
• A home inspection identifies material defects, not cosmetic flaws. It’s very important to know that a home inspector looks for material defects, not cosmetic flaws. Material defects are issues that devalue the house and/or pose a safety and/or health hazard. For instance, a leaking roof devalues a home but does not pose a health or safety issue. However, bad electrical wiring devalues a property and poses a safety issue.
• The home inspection report just includes the basics. The home inspector will test and assess hundreds of items. But, the report like not likely go into deep detail. Instead, it will list any issues uncovered, as well as items not in working order or not fully functioning.
• The home inspector is to act as an unbiased, ethically bound individual. The NAHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics are quite clear about inspectors working as an ethical, unbiased third-party. So, the report should not lean toward either party of the sale. And, this is a good thing because you know the report is true.
• The home inspector is not responsible for the condition of the property. Although the inspector will go through the property thoroughly, this doesn’t mean a crystal ball is involved. The inspector isn’t responsible for predicting the future, so it’s possible unknown issues are present.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Orlando, contact us for the latest market information. We’ll also provide you with the right advice about the local real estate market so you make the best decisions.