When you take out a home loan, the bank will require a home inspection to protect their investment. Even if you plan on paying cash for your home, you should still schedule an inspection for any property you intend to buy. While this won't catch everything that might be wrong with the house, the Inspector will pinpoint problems that may be of major concern. What Does a Home Inspection Cover? The home inspection will determine the condition of the major components of the home. This starts with the Inspector visually examining the condition of the roof, foundation, and structure. They will also look at the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems. As the Inspector takes a closer look inside the home, they will look at the attic insulation, watch for signs of water damage and mold growth, and check for pest infestations. What Won't the Inspector Do? There are some things your home inspection won't cover. In general, you shouldn't expect the Inspector to look for minor damage that can be easily or cheaply repaired. In addition, the Inspector won't remove or damage parts of the interior. This means they won't look behind walls, remove electrical panels, or inspect the insides of chimneys or plumbing pipes. What Will the Inspection Report Tell You? You might be wondering what will happen if the inspection does uncover a problem. Anything the Inspector turns up will be recorded in the final report. When they do find a problem, they will note whether or not the issue will need to be repaired right away. They will also mention whether the problem concerns a safety issue or a major defect. If it's a minor defect, the report will point that out as well. There may be other issues that don't pose a problem right away, but the report will recommend keeping an eye on the issue. For example, the Inspector might advise you to budget for a roof replacement even though you don't need it right away. A home inspection is a necessary part of the home buying process. It will help ensure you're aware of the true condition of the house, which will help you make a better-informed decision. Otherwise, you may buy a home that turns out to be an unexpected money pit.
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