Getting a home inspection is an important step if you’re looking to purchase a home. It’s a great way to learn about the structure of your house and its various features, ask questions, and test different elements to see if there are any problems. But before you hire a home inspector, you should be sure to do your homework first.
Do your homework before hiring a home inspector:
When selecting a home inspector, it is important to ask questions about his or her qualifications and experience. This will ensure that you are hiring the right professional for the job. Ultimately, this will give you more confidence in your new home purchase and in its maintenance of it after the sale.
Getting a home inspection, you should accompany the inspector to the house. This way, you can get a better understanding of the home’s systems and why they need repairs. Also, make sure to prepare a list of questions and concerns that you have about the home. The inspector should also provide you with color photos and detailed descriptions of what they found.
Get an infrared camera:
Infrared cameras are a great way to check the health of your home. They use a camera to detect infrared heat, which can pinpoint problems such as poor insulation or air sealing. Coupled with a home inspection by a certified inspector, an infrared camera can pinpoint issues that may not be apparent to the naked eye.
An infrared camera can detect structural defects that can cost you money down the line. It can detect problems such as broken seals on double-paned windows or air leaking from sliding doors. It also shows us where the home builders may have skimped on insulation.
Get a contingency clause:
Home inspections are an important part of the home-buying process, and a contingency clause will give you a way to get out of the deal if you find a problem. These contingencies are typically based on a dollar amount inserted into the contract. Some buyers opt to insert $0, while others put $1,000, $5,000, or higher. If the home inspector finds a major problem, you have the right to renegotiate the price or request that the seller repairs it. You can also use the contingency clause as leverage when negotiating costs and securing better terms from your lender.
You may not need to include an inspection contingency if you’re buying a co-op or condo. The building is responsible for walls, roofs, and common areas. The maintenance charge is usually negligible. It can also be helpful to include a mortgage contingency, which gives you a chance to back out of the deal if the property fails to meet your expectations. Many first-time buyers mistakenly think that a mortgage pre-approval means they can walk away without making any repairs.
