The information and expertise found in this blog article was provided and sponsored by our Affiliate Partner, Homesouth Inspections, LLC.
Consider this scenario: You think you have found your dream home. Your REALTOR has helped you submit an offer to the seller, and – with the help of their REALTOR – you’re now under contract to purchase that home. But before you close, you do your due diligence by scheduling a home inspection. During the service, the home inspector finds that the roof is significantly aged and will need to be replaced soon to avoid additional damage to the home. This discovery is eye-opening and puts you in the position to renegotiate the terms of sale before closing.
This scenario is one example of the value found in home inspections. In this blog, Homesouth Inspections has provided us with even more insights into the importance of this service, what they do and do not cover, and how to choose the right inspector for the job. This comprehensive guide is for you.
WHY: Why Home Inspections are Essential
Informed Negotiations: You have probably heard the old saying, “He with the most information wins.” Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, a home inspection provides a clear picture of the property’s condition. This information then helps in negotiating prices, planning for repairs, and avoiding unexpected issues later on in the transaction.
Safety: Inspections help identify potential safety hazards such as faulty wiring, mold, or structural weaknesses that could pose serious risks to occupants.
Investment Protection: For homeowners, regular inspections can detect issues early, allowing for timely maintenance and preventing costly repairs in the future.
Peace of Mind: Following an inspection, you’ll receive a report, which acts as a roadmap of what to expect with your purchase. This information is just as important for seasoned homeowners as it is for first-time buyers.
WHAT: What a Home Inspection Covers
Homesouth Inspections’ team of experts follows state-specific guidelines to ensure comprehensive and accurate evaluations. Here’s a breakdown of what their inspections typically include:
Roof: Inspectors examine the roof’s structure, shingles or tiles, flashing, gutters, and downspouts to check for wear and tear, leaks, and other damage.
Exterior: This involves assessing exterior walkways, doors, siding, eaves, soffits, fascia, and paint to ensure the home’s outer shell is in good condition.
HVAC Systems: The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems are visually inspected, including ducts, filters, furnaces, and air conditioning units, to ensure they are functioning properly.
Plumbing: Inspectors check plumbing fixtures such as tubs, sinks, showers, and water shut-off valves for proper function and leaks.
Electrical Systems: Both interior and exterior electrical systems are inspected, including service drops, grounding, outlets, meters, and circuit breakers.
Appliances: Major appliances like water heaters, washers and dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, and freezers are tested to ensure they are working correctly.
Doors, Windows, and Interior: This includes checking for proper sealing, drafts, signs of mold or water damage, and the overall condition of interior spaces.
Foundations and Crawl Spaces: Inspectors look for signs of water damage, foundation cracking, shifting, and other issues in the foundation, crawlspaces, and basements.
Attic, Ventilation, and Insulation: The attic is inspected for proper ventilation, mold, moisture, and adequate insulation levels.
WHAT: What a Home Inspection Doesn’t Cover
While home inspections are thorough, there are limits to what they cover. A home inspection is a visual inspection, and there are instances when home issues are hidden from the home inspector’s services. Typically, inspections do not include:
Pest Inspections: These require a specialist in pest control.
Hazardous Materials: Identification of asbestos, lead paint, or radon usually requires specialized testing.
Cosmetic Issues: Minor cosmetic flaws that do not affect the structure or safety of the home.
Inside Walls or Behind Electrical Panels: Inspectors do not perform invasive procedures to see inside walls or dismantle electrical panels.
WHO: Choosing the Right Home Inspector
Selecting a reputable home inspector is crucial for getting a comprehensive evaluation. Here are some tips:
Check Credentials: Ensure the inspector is certified and follows state-specific standards, such as those set forth by the Alabama Building Commission or the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Experience Matters: Look for inspectors with extensive experience and positive reviews from previous clients. The team at Homesouth Inspections has a combined 27 years of experience and has performed over 20,000 home inspections.
Sample Reports: Ask for sample reports to see the level of detail provided and how information is presented.
Comprehensive Service: Choose an inspector who offers a detailed walk-through and explains the findings in an easy-to-understand manner, like Homesouth Inspections does with their Spectora reports.
Referrals and Reviews: Seek recommendations from friends, family, or your REALTOR®, and read online reviews to gauge the inspector’s reputation.
At Baldwin REALTORS®, we are committed to private property and homeownership rights for all. By partnering with trusted professionals like Homesouth Inspections we aim to bring consumers the critical information needed to make informed decisions about your property.
For more information on home inspections or to schedule an inspection with Homesouth Inspections, LLC, visit their website homesouthinspections.com. Additionally, Homesouth offers a range of ancillary services that wouldn’t fall under the normal scope of a home inspection. These services include things like Thermal Imaging, pool and spa inspections, boat lift and dock inspections, mold and air quality sampling, FORTIFIED evaluations and renewals, as well as lead paint and asbestos sampling.
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