Preparing for a thorough home inspection
A pre-purchase home inspection determines the structural and mechanical soundness of the home. It typically identifies existing and potential problem areas.
A good home inspection will look at a home through various doctrines. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, structural, drainage and a host of other important building topics.
You’ll have full knowledge of any work that may be required. It’s a cost‐effective way to buy some security while undertaking one of life’s most significant investment decisions.
A standard report by a qualified home inspection service will also list practical suggestions. Some go as far as to provide cost estimates for repairs. It will give you the tools to collect precise information about the condition of the home.
As a seller, you can and should prepare your home for a thorough home inspection. When selling, there is a good chance you will receive a visit from a professional house inspector, retained by the buyer. It is their job to find fault. However, there are simple things you can fix ahead of time. Just a bit of prevention will help ensure your home inspection is a success.
Who will you choose do perform your home inspection? You’ll notice that your real estate agent will recommend a number of professionals, never just one.
Since a home inspection may focus on the following areas, you (as a seller) could prevent inspection problems by looking into these items:
1. Structural: Inspectors will be looking for damages caused by renovations, termites or dry rot. Signs of cracks from the settling of the foundation will be noted. The condition of support beams and joists will be inspected for integrity.
2. Superficial state: The rule of thumb is that when it looks good on the outside, that it’s probably good on the inside as well (although this must not always be true). Everything tidy, organised and freshly painted is all very good.
3. Electrical: A home inspection very much focuses on loose or incorrectly wired receptacles, switches or electrical box problems. These faults are easy to find and usually also quite easy to fix.
4. Water ingress: Correct any water leaks, which can cause extensive damage over time. Check for basement and roof leaks, as well as areas where there are drain pipes, plumbing fixtures and appliances. Ceilings and floors will show evidence of water damage, as will the underside of counter tops.
5. Plumbing: An inspector will look to see if all plumbing fixtures are working. A home inspection service will check grouting or caulking and check that it’s free from cracks. Drains must be clog‐free.
6. Heating systems: Your heating (and cooling) systems will be checked extensively during a home inspection for working condition, up‐to‐date servicing and cleanliness.
7. Safety: Hand railings will be checked. Ensure all windows and doors lock securely and open easily. Rotting steps should be replaced.
It may not be a bad suggestion to have the home inspection report for your home done before going on the market. It’ll be one hurdle taken before becoming a potential issue.
A NOVEL IDEA? HOME INSPECTION BY THE SELLER
As a seller, you also have the option to verify the condition of your home before it even goes on the market. Why would you do that?
First of all, the inspection report will show you what’s not good about your home. This is not an insult (after all, we tend to love our homes and be proud of them) but as a guide to how to improve and fix it so it will sell more easily and with fewer problems.
The second reason why a home inspection on behalf of the seller is a good idea, is because you can now advertise the house as “fully inspected” by a professional home inspection service. This shows a prospective buyer that you have nothing to hide. It shows that you are taking the selling process seriously. It also shows that you are motivated.
There are real benefits to an inspection before the house goes on the market. It will set you back a few Hundred Dollars in professional fees for the inspector but it may offer you many times that amount in leverage.
Of course, the buyer may still want to perform their own inspection. At that point, you can put the two reports next to each other. The differences should be minimal. In the end, everybody should come out a winner.
Doing a home inspection before one is actually needed is a great way to be three steps ahead of the plan. You should actually consider having the inspection before going on the market.
A HOME INSPECTION BY THE BUYER
Before calling a home inspection service, virtually all buyers will do a preliminary home inspection for themselves. Buyers don’t like to spend money when they assume the inspection may fail or show a lot of faults. Most buyers get a feel for the home, even before making an offer.
Other buyers will bring in a family member or acquaintance who is in the home building business. This could be in addition to the professional home inspection or even entirely in its place.
A person in the construction business will spot faults in houses more easily – but possibly not in all fields that a professional home inspection service looks into.
A particular problem with a certain home may lead to a second inspection, for instance if the first inspector isn’t sure about certain things. Sometimes, an electrician, a plumber or a furnace specialist may be brought in.
Read some more, it’s always a good idea. Below are some further suggested blog articles about topics possible related to home inspection services in Victoria.
TAKING THE HOME INSPECTION SERIOUSLY – It’s a good idea to learn a bit more about homes and all that comes with the territory.
Making your realtor even better: http://www.lotuslandrealestate.com/realtor-complaints/.
Better way of buying a house: http://www.lotuslandrealestate.com/real-estate-bargain/.
A bit more about mortgages: http://www.lotuslandrealestate.com/mortgage-funds/.
Home inspections, other legal real estate issues: http://www.lotuslandrealestate.com/category/legal-issues/.
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