Are you looking to find a home inspector? Did you know that the average cost of a home inspection is about $300?
In this article, you’ll get to explore the age-old question, how long do home inspections take? You’ll also find out what to expect during a home inspection.
Read on to explore the answer to these questions and more to be fully prepared for your home inspection!
Why Is It Important to Get a Home Inspection?
Before purchasing a home, you’ll want to know the condition of the property. It’ll be a great way to know if there are any necessary repairs that might be a deal-breaker.
It’s also a great way to see the positive aspects of the home such as a well-maintained heater, new roof, etc.
How Do You Find a Home Inspector?
If it’s your first time buying a home, you might not realize it’s normally up to you to find an inspector. Before making a bid on a home, it’s a good idea to have a quality home inspector come in and take a look.
You can ask family members and friends for recommendations. You’ll want to go with a home inspector who is qualified and not just someone who is recommended.
Ask the home inspector what their experience is, and if they’re familiar with the kind of home you’re interested in.
What Does a Home Inspection Cover?
You’ll want a home inspector who will take a look at different internal systems. Also, someone who will take a look at the physical structure of your potential home.
Make sure they take a look at:
- The basement
- Attic
- Insulation
- Doors and windows
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Walls
- Flooring
- Ceiling
- Roofing
- Foundation
- Heating and cooling
Keep in mind that a home inspection might not find asbestos, mold, or pests. Any problems with septic tanks or wells might not turn up either. These are covered under specialty inspections, not a traditional home inspection.
What to Do During a Home Inspection?
It’s important to meet your home inspector at the property. Have a list of questions handy that you’ll want to ask during the process.
If you can’t meet them, make sure you let them know ahead of time. Make sure they have proper access to the home such as keys given, and gates unlocked.
What Happens After Home Inspections?
Did you know that the average home in the U.S. is sold for $250,000? After your home inspection in Northeast Ohio, your inspector will give you a report.
They’ll go over any concerns they have. They’ll be able to show you pictures along with the report and answer any questions you have.
How Long Do Home Inspections Take?
A home inspection normally only takes about 2-3 hours depending on the size and condition of the home. Any pets and children should be with a sitter, and out of the home during the inspection.
You can go around the home with the inspector, and ask questions as they go.
Some factors that can affect the time it takes include:
- How thorough the inspector is
- How helpful the owner is when preparing for an inspection
- The size of the home
- The number of any defects or problems
Who Pays for a Home Inspection?
Normally the buyer will pay for a home inspection. If you’re making an offer, sometimes you can ask the seller to pay for it.
Some sellers might have an inspection done before they offer the home for sale. This is a great way to see any potential problems or repairs and any positives that the home has.
While that’s great to have, it’s still a good idea to hire your own home inspector. This is vital since you’ll want to make sure the home inspector is qualified and trust-worthy.
You’ll want to avoid someone who has an alliance with the selling agent or seller to avoid a conflict of interest.
Repair Negotiations
After you receive the inspection report (it can take a few days before you receive it), it’s time to decide what you’re comfortable in fixing and not.
If you don’t want to fix certain items, you’ll want to see if the seller will fix it as part of the negotiation.
How much you’ll ask them to fix depends on if it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market.
The buyer’s and seller’s market can easily change. If you’re in a buyer’s market, this means the seller will possibly do more to entice you to buy.
They’re more likely to make any requests on the repair list if it’s a buyer’s market. They might be in a rush to sell, and maybe the house has been sitting on the market for a good while.
For a seller’s market, it might be harder to get them to agree to repairs. They might feel more confident that another buyer will come along who will do all the repairs necessary.
Determine how much you want this home, how much you’re willing to put into repairs, and consider the market.
Exploring What to Expect During a Home Inspection
Now you should have the answer to the age-old question, how long do home inspections take? You should also have a better understanding of what happens during the home inspection process.
Are you ready to get started with a qualified home inspector in northeastern Ohio who handles many towns and cities, from Cleveland to Willoughby? Contact us today to get started, and we’ll answer any questions you have before, during, and after your home inspection.