5 Home Inspection Mistakes to Avoid

5 Home Inspection Mistakes to Avoid

Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you'll ever make. As such, you want to make sure you have all the information you need to feel confident in your purchase. That's why it makes sense to have a home inspection before you sign off on the purchase. But listed below are five common errors made by homeowners during the inspection process. Avoid these at all costs!

1. Not Completing a Home Inspection

You may be excited about the prospect of owning your new home. You want to move in as quickly as possible. However, rushing to close on the house is not in your best interest. If you want to make sure the house is in good condition, complete a home inspection. And if something seems off in your report, ask for an explanation or clarification. Your purchase may be contingent on fixing issues raised in the inspection report.

2. Choosing the Wrong Home Inspector

Choosing the first inspector you find is a common mistake made by first-time buyers. To avoid this costly error, be sure to do your research by asking for references and checking online reviews. Check to see if the home inspector has the proper credentials and is adequately insured. Be wary of inspectors who offer a startlingly low price.

3. Failing To Ask Questions

During the home inspection, your inspector will go over each area of the house that they plan to inspect and explain what they're looking for. They will also answer any questions you may have about potential issues with the property. Don't be afraid to ask if anything is unclear. It's your money on the line, so you have every right to know exactly what you're buying!

4. Not Understanding What's in the Inspection Report

Make sure you thoroughly read through the document and ask questions if anything is unclear. If possible, have someone else go through it with you, someone not as emotionally attached to the purchase. This will allow you to focus on what's important and ignore any subjective comments about potential remodeling projects or "flaws" that don't affect the property value.

5. Not Being Present at the Inspection

Be sure to be present during the home inspection. You may feel that it's easier to drop off the key and pick up a report later or that it's not worth your time or effort to sit through what seems like a long process. Being present will allow you to ask questions as they arise and clarify any issues that seem unclear. It will also allow you to point out any areas that seem to have been overlooked by the inspector.

After a home inspection, most potential buyers have a seven-day period to back out of the deal. Use this time to read the report carefully and research any problems that may not be immediately clear. If you're satisfied with your findings, use your home inspection as a bargaining tool to ensure that you get the seller to offer a fair price on the property or cover any necessary repairs or remodeling costs before closing.