Question 1

How long does a home inspection take?

Accepted Answer

The average home inspection takes two to four hours, or about an hour and a half for condos. Inspection time varies depending on home size, inspector experience, and thoroughness. After the inspection, it can take 24 to 48 hours to receive the inspector's report.

Question 2

What is a four-point home inspection?

Accepted Answer

A four-point inspection checks a home's plumbing, roofing, electrical wiring, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) to ensure they meet current safety standards. It’s often performed for homes in areas prone to inclement weather events, such as flooding and tornadoes, and older houses. A four-point inspection is sometimes required to get homeowner's insurance.

Question 3

How much does a home inspection cost?

Accepted Answer

A home inspection costs between $300 and $1,000, depending on the home's size, property location, and scope of the inspection. Prices vary by inspector, so it's best to get several quotes before committing to one.

Question 4

Who pays for home inspection?

Accepted Answer

It's typically the buyer's responsibility to pay for a home inspection, although the seller may cover the cost sometimes. Sellers can also choose to pay for a pre-listing inspection to uncover problems that might arise during a buyer's inspection. This gives them the chance to make necessary repairs before putting the home on the market.

Question 5

What to look for in a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

Your home inspector should check for:

Structural integrity of walls and floors
Plumbing issues, including signs of water damage
Faulty or outdated electrical wiring
Roof and siding damage
Gutter drainage
Problems with windows and doors
HVAC functionality
Signs of pest infestation
Condition of major appliances, if included with the sale
Condition of deck and porch

Question 6

What fixes are mandatory after a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

If an inspection reveals severe problems, many lenders won't agree to finance the home purchase until they are fixed. This can include building code violations, structural concerns, mold, water damage, fire hazards, and other issues that can affect the buyer's health and safety.

Question 7

When to walk away after home inspection?

Accepted Answer

Home inspections may uncover serious hidden concerns, such as mold in the walls or the need for new electrical wiring, that can cost thousands of dollars to fix. If the seller is unwilling to pay for the repairs, it may be time to consider walking away from the deal. Unpermitted work (work done on the home without a permit) can be a dangerous safety hazard, so this is another reason to back out of the sale.

Question 8

What to expect from a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

During a home inspection, the inspector will walk through the home and take notes and pictures for any problems that they find. The inspector's job is to provide an objective opinion of the home's condition so you can make an informed purchasing decision.

Question 9

What does a home inspection cover?

Accepted Answer

A home inspection covers all readily accessible and visible areas of the property, including bedrooms, bathrooms, the kitchen, basement, attic, garage, and porch or patio. Inspectors do not move appliances or other heavy objects to check for problems.

Question 10

Do sellers get a copy of home inspection report?

Accepted Answer

Home inspection reports are the property of the client, so inspectors can only share the report with them. Some sellers may pay for part of the inspection costs, and in this case, they'll receive a copy of the report. Buyers can choose to share a copy of the report with sellers, but they aren't obligated to do so.

Question 11

Who attends a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

There isn't a requirement for any specific person to attend a home inspection aside from the inspector themselves. Many buyers prefer to attend so they can learn more about the property and ask questions about its condition during the walk-through. The buyer's agent and the seller's listing agent sometimes also attend.

Question 12

Is a home inspection and appraisal the same thing?

Accepted Answer

A home inspection checks the overall condition of the property, while an appraisal determines the home's financial value. Appraisers determine value by comparing the home with similar recent home sales in the area. Lenders usually require an appraisal for financing.

Question 13

Do home inspections check for asbestos?

Accepted Answer

Home inspections rarely look for asbestos because inspectors can't take apart the walls and ceiling to check. Most home inspectors are not certified in asbestos testing, which involves taking samples of walls. Inspectors can only point out areas where asbestos might be suspected, but professional testing is needed to confirm its presence.

Question 14

What happens after a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

After the inspection, you and your agent will review the findings noted on the inspector's report. At this point, you can choose to move forward with the purchase or ask for repairs to be made. The seller may agree to make the repairs or provide credits for you to pay for repairs yourself. You can also decide to cancel the purchase contract if the inspection findings aren't acceptable and the seller refuses to negotiate repairs.

Question 15

Does home inspection affect appraisal?

Accepted Answer

Home inspectors and appraisers work independently and do not share their findings with each other, so the inspection has no tangible effect on a home's appraisal. Home inspections are done before the appraisal for other reasons, however. If the inspection is poor, you can back out of the sale without paying for an appraisal, which can potentially save you hundreds of dollars.

Question 16

What should I ask during home inspection?

Accepted Answer

Attending the inspection gives you the opportunity to hear the inspector's thoughts on a property, which can be valuable when making a purchasing decision. Always ask about the condition of the roof, plumbing, electrical wiring, and other major components, and find out how long the inspector thinks they will last. Ask what the biggest problems are with the home, what the inspector recommends fixing first, and how much it might cost.

Question 17

Do insurance companies inspect homes?

Accepted Answer

Insurance companies inspect homes to determine potential liabilities, which can cause increased premiums or even policy cancellation if problems are too severe. An insurance company inspection might be required if the home is old or hasn't been inspected in many years.

Question 18

What should buyers do during home inspection?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, buyers should attend the inspection so they can talk with the inspector throughout the process. If you have questions or concerns about the property, bring them up before the inspection begins. During the inspection, it's a good idea to check light switches, appliances, sinks, and toilets to make sure everything is in working order.

Question 19

Do banks require home inspections?

Accepted Answer

If you're getting a mortgage loan from a bank, a home inspection is not required, and it’s unnecessary to provide the bank with a copy of the results. The bank requires an appraisal, however. This determines the value of the home so the bank doesn't give you a loan for more than it's worth.

Question 20

Do lenders require home inspections?

Accepted Answer

Mortgage lending companies rarely require a home inspection to give you a loan. Some lenders might request an inspection for specific potential problems, though. These can include termites, septic system issues, and lead-based paint. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans expect a basic home assessment that's like an inspection, but not as in-depth.

Question 21

Who verifies repairs after a home inspection?

Accepted Answer

If repairs need to be made, you can verify the work by ordering a re-inspection. This usually isn't necessary if the repairs were done by a licensed contractor and the correct permits for the work were pulled. If the seller handled the repairs, though, a re-inspection can help ensure that the work was performed correctly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a home inspection take?

What is a four-point home inspection?

How much does a home inspection cost?

Who pays for home inspection?

What to look for in a home inspection?

What fixes are mandatory after a home inspection?

When to walk away after home inspection?