Why you should get an Inspection

Whether you are buying or selling a home, you should have a professional home inspection performed by a qualified inspector.

A home inspection will look at the systems that make up the building such as:

• Structural elements, foundation, framing, etc
• Plumbing systems
• Roofing
• Electrical systems
• Cosmetic condition, paint, siding etc

If you are buying a home, you need to know exactly what you are getting. A home inspection, performed by a professional home inspector, will reveal any hidden problems (latent defects) with the home so that they may be addressed BEFORE the deal is closed. You should require an inspection at the time you make a formal offer and make sure the contract has an inspection contingency. Then, hire your own inspector (or contact Sean O'Rear from A Closer Look Home Inspection) and pay close attention to the inspection report. Safety issues, latent defects and any minor issue in a newly-constructed home can be re-addressed with the Seller/Builder - Minor maintenance issues due to normal wear and tear are simply part of buying a previously-owned home.

Likewise, if you are selling a home, you want to know about such potential hidden problems before your house goes on the market. Almost all contracts include the condition that the contract is contingent upon completion of a satisfactory inspection. And most buyers are going to insist that the inspection be a professional home inspection, usually by an inspector they hire. If the buyer's inspector finds a problem, it can cause the buyer to get cold feet and the deal can often fall through. At best, surprise problems uncovered by the buyer's inspector will cause delays in closing, and usually you will have to pay for repairs at the last minute, or take a lower price on your home.