The Importance of Having a Home Inspection

Buying a home is a huge investment, both financially and emotionally. As a buyer, you want to make sure that you are making the right decision and that the property you are purchasing is worth the money you are spending. This is where a home inspection comes in. Always, always, always get a home inspection whether you are buying a resale home or a new construction home. 

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a thorough examination of a property by a certified professional. The inspector will examine the property’s visable components and write a report on the condition of these components. They typically look at all major systems, appliances, crawlspaces, outlets, windows, doors, drywall, exterior conditions, and even other structures such as sheds. The goal of a home inspection is to identify any potential problems or defects that may be present in the property. Depending on the home's conditions, further inspections may be advised for specific things. For example, a home inspector can identify an issue with the Air Conditioner, but they are not a licensed HVAC professional. It may be worth having a licensed HVAC professional to thoroughly inspect and repair any defects in the system. Other inspections can include Roof, Mold, Radon, Structural, Electrical, and others. 

A home inspection is an additional buyer's expense, but it is worth getting to potentially save you from maor issues with a home you want to purchase. In the state of Florida, the length of the inspection period is a point of negotiation in the purchase agreement. It determines the length of time a buyer has for due diligence - getting any inspections or gathering any information on the home they are purchasing. If the results of their findings are not satisfactory and non-neogotiable, the buyer can choose to terminate their contract. 

Why is a home inspection important for resale homes?

Buying a resale home may seem like a straightforward process, but there can be hidden issues that are not immediately apparent to the naked eye. A home inspection can help identify any problems with the property that may not have been disclosed or known by the seller. This can include issues with the roof, foundation, plumbing, or electrical system.

Having a home inspection can also give you leverage during negotiations with the seller. If the inspection uncovers any major issues, you may be able to negotiate a lower price or have the seller make repairs before you move in.

Why is a home inspection important for new construction?

You may think that a newly built home is free of issues, but this is not always the case. Even new construction can have defects or problems that may not be apparent to the untrained eye. A home inspection can help identify any issues before you move in, allowing you to address them with the builder.

Having a home inspection for new construction can also help ensure that the property meets all building codes and safety standards. This can give you peace of mind knowing that your new home is safe and structurally sound. Depending on your new construction contract, you can consider having inspections at different stages of the build. For example, you can have the electrical and plumbing inspected before the drywall goes in.