Questions About a Buyer’s Inspection

If you’re looking to purchase a home, you may have questions about the inspection process. You aren’t the only one. Many homebuyers wonder what is involved and if they should have an inspection done. Below are answers to common questions related to a buyer’s home inspection.

1. Should I Order a Buyer’s Home Inspection?

The answer is yes. If you’re buying a home, get a home inspection. Before closing on a property, it’s important that you understand its condition. For a relatively small fee, a professional will inspect the home you’re interested in buying and examine every system and component.

2. What’s Included in an Inspection?

A home inspector will take a look at the accessible components of the property and review everything from the foundation to the roof. They will inspect the HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems.

If you’re able, attend the inspection so you can ask questions and understand the process. Your inspector will provide you with a written report of their findings and will go over it with you to review the results.

3. How Much Does this Service Cost?

On average, a home inspection usually costs between $300 to $600. However, the price of your inspection will depend on the location, age of the property, square footage of the home, and other services you might add. Talk to your inspector about what types of services they offer. Some inspection companies also perform radon testing, water-quality tests, and will inspect for termites and other wood-destroying insects.

4. How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?

The amount of time an inspection takes depends on many factors, including the size of the home and the accessibility of the systems in the house. On average, a buyer’s home inspection takes between two and three hours. Don’t rush your home inspector; he or she will need time to thoroughly assess the building. In large houses or older homes, expect them to take more time to get a good look at the property.

5. Will a Buyer’s Home Inspection Save Me Money?

A buyer’s inspection can save you money. This service is invaluable when making an offer. If there are issues that need to be addressed, you can refer to them in your offer and potentially negotiate to get a lower price.

Some big-ticket items such as the roof, HVAC system, or plumbing may need to be repaired or replaced. If you don’t know what to look for, it can be difficult to know what condition these systems are in. A professional home inspector is trained to understand how each system should operate.

Having an inspection does not guarantee that you’ll save money, but it does give you a bargaining chip and an objective view of the property, which is important when making such a big investment.

6. Can the Inspector Find Safety Issues?

An inspection can reveal mold, lead paint, or water damage, which are safety hazards. Some inspectors can also test for radon gas, which is one of the leading causes of lung cancer. Electrical issues are another concern that an inspector can identify, as these may lead to a house fire.

Discover problems and concerns before you buy the house. After closing, it is too late to request that the seller address them. Schedule a home buyer’s inspection so you feel peace of mind about the property you are purchasing.

Maryland Home Inspectors offers inspections to customers in Washington DC and Baltimore. Contact us to request our services.