Many times when I meet someone and they ask me what it is I do, the next question is ‘why do I need a home inspection?’ My response is usually short but to the point. Purchasing a home is usually the largest investment you will make in your lifetime. Wouldn’t you want to know all you can about an investment that large?
This is true for all homes, old and new. Yes, new construction can have defects that will show up in a home inspection. A comprehensive home inspection will give you an unbiased, non-emotional, professional description of the universal condition of the home. Even if you have found your ‘dream home’ it is my job as a home inspector to let you know this dream home may not be right for you. The last thing you want when making the largest investment of your lifetime is to buy a money pit.
A good home inspection will cover all main systems in the home such as electrical, roof, plumbing, and the HVAC system, but home inspectors do not stop there. A good home inspector is trained to look for thousands of things that can cause issues with a home. From the insulation and ventilation of the roof. To the grading of the site itself. All of these things can look nice to someone who is not trained but can cause problems down the road.
After the inspection you will receive a report that will outline all of the areas of the home that could need attention or updating to be considered safe and functional. Some of these items can be very inexpensive to fix while some can be quite pricey. It is at this point you can use the inspection report as a tool for negotiations with the seller.
Article submitted by:
Joel Hagans
Owner/Operator
A Closer Look Home Inspections
850-312-8919 office
850-980-5979 cell
FL Lic #10285
