4 Reasons You NEED to Hire a Home Inspector Before Buying

You don’t need me to tell you that buying a house is a big deal. And if you don’t work in this business and aren’t a general contractor yourself, you probably don’t know as much about buildings and homes as you would like to. That’s were home inspectors come in. A home inspection helps ensure you’re making a the right choice in moving forward with a home by giving you the information you need. I could think of a lot more if asked, but if I had to narrow it down to four, here are my four reasons why you NEED to hire a home inspector:

 

Identifying Latent or Unseen Problems Can Save You Headaches

A home inspector can identify hidden problems that might not be immediately obvious during a casual walkthrough, such as structural issues, plumbing leaks, electrical problems, or foundation concerns. Some problems are not always obvious, like water penetration in the first floor ceiling and wood rot covered with putty and paint, but an inspector has the knowledge, skills and tools to find them. Identifying these problems early can save you from huge repairs later.

 

Home Inspections Can Save Your Life

What happens if the bedroom window is too small to escape out of during a fire? What if the smoke alarms don’t work when you need them? What about that gas leak in the kitchen, inside the drawer under the cooktop that you never open? A good home inspector can not just help identify safety hazard, but might save your life.

 

Inspection Reports Can Help You Negotiate Better Terms

When the inspector uncovers a bunch of hidden problems, you can bring these things back to the seller. When the inspector shows you photographic evidence that the roof the seller “replaced a few years ago” is deteriorated and failing, you might be able to knock $10,000 or more off the price or get the roof paid for on the seller’s dime. It doesn’t take much for a home inspector to provide enough information that you can negotiate with to pay back the inspection fee.

 

Home Inspectors Can Help You Avoid a Money Pit

When you hire a home inspector, you’re spending money now to help prevent future financial ruin due to buying a money pit. Buying a home is a huge financial commitment, and an inspector can give you a detailed understanding of the property’s condition. Knowing about costly repairs, such as replacing a roof, HVAC system, or major appliances, allows you to make a more informed decision about whether the property is worth the investment.