If you’re planning to buy or sell a home fast, getting a home inspection is still a crucial part of the process.
Perhaps you’re thinking of creating your own DIY home inspection checklist to ensure a speedy transaction.
Is attempting to perform a home inspection yourself a smart move? Read on to find out whether this is the right way to ensure your property is up to par.
Why You Need a Home Inspection
Whether you’re buying or selling, a professional home inspection gives important insight into any potential problems the property may face. From the roof to electrical, an inspection will help buyers make informed decisions about their home purchase.
Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will generate a detailed report. This report covers the condition of all the major components of the home to help you make an informed decision.
Not only does an inspection give you a better idea of what might need repair, but it also helps with negotiation. For example, if the roof needs to be replaced, you can use this as leverage before you make an offer.
A professional knows exactly what to look for when they inspect a home. They also must undergo rigorous training and be licensed in order to provide you with an accurate inspection report that you can use.
In most cases, a home inspection is affordable and well worth the cost. However, you may still be considering creating your own DIY home inspection checklist. If that’s the case, you’ll need to make sure you cover all the bases, or else you could end up stuck with expensive repair bills.
What You Should Include on a DIY Home Inspection Checklist
If you’re determined to perform a DIY home inspection, there are a lot of things you’ll need to include. First, you’ll need to start with the exterior and take a close look at the home’s siding, fencing, exterior trim, and outbuildings. It’s important to note that any foundation inspections should be performed by a specialist to ensure the home’s foundation is in good condition.
After you examine the outside of the home, it’s time to move indoors. You’ll need to take a close look at all plumbing to ensure there are no leaks or other issues. Inspect under sinks and check the connections on appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher to ensure everything looks tight and dry.
One of the most important things on a DIY home inspection checklist is the electrical system. However, it can be easy to miss problems with an untrained eye. It’s a good idea to hire a pro if you want to ensure the electrical in the home is safe and solid.
Take a good look at all of the doors and windows of the home. Look for any loose trim, crooked windows, or areas where outdoor air seems to be getting inside.
You’ll also need to go into the attic to check for signs of roof damage or leaks there. Inspect the insulation and make sure it’s still in good condition. Now is also a perfect time to look for any pests that may make the attic their home.
Proper drainage is key to a safe, dry home. Check the gutters, downspouts, and the garage or basement to see if there’s prior water damage or signs of improper drainage.
A home inspector will take a quick look at the roof, but this is another item that should be done by a specialist. You can easily see loose shingles, but a true specialist will know exactly what types of problems the roof has that you can’t see right away.
Why You Should Hire a Home Inspection Service
A DIY home inspection might not cost you money upfront, but it can be costly if you miss important details. A professional home inspector has the training required to pinpoint serious problems before they get out of hand.
The inspector will provide you with a thorough report, and they’ll also take photos of every area they inspect. This information is invaluable if you need to request that the seller makes repairs before you put in an offer.
An experienced inspector also understands the current building codes. They’ll look for any violations and inform you of any issues they see that could affect the resale value or any upgrades you might want to make in the future.
Even if you check out a few parts of the property, you’ll likely miss things that could affect you later. With a professional home inspection service, you know you’re getting every important component of the home looked at and assessed for issues.
If the property you want has severe damage or other issues, you may not be able to negotiate with the seller without an official report. You can easily tell the seller you see problems, but they can also easily dispute them without the proper paperwork.
Don’t risk losing the home you want or shelling out your hard-earned cash if you don’t need to. A pro will give you the most accurate view of what you’re about to buy.
Talk to a Professional Today
Making your own DIY home inspection checklist is tempting, but it’s not the best way to find out what’s potentially wrong with a home. Consider hiring a professional home inspection service so you’ll have accurate information and the leverage you need to make a solid offer.
For more information about our services or to schedule an inspection, visit our website, or contact us today.