Investing in a new home is an exhilarating experience, yet it’s vital to ensure that you’re making a safe and sound purchase. To make sure your investment pays off in the end, one of the most critical steps to take when buying a house is having it inspected by an experienced professional. Home inspections can be intimidating for some buyers; however knowing what goes into them beforehand will help clear any unease or anxiety. Here are just a few points you should be aware of before getting your property checked out so that you can confidently pick the right option for yourself!
Why You Need an Inspection
Getting a home inspection is critical for any property buyer. It not only helps protect the buyer from potential problems, but it also provides peace of mind for everyone involved in the transaction. An inspection will provide insights into the condition of a house before committing to purchase it, helping homeowners identify any issues that need to be repaired or replaced immediately such as plumbing, along with deeper-rooted problems like structural integrity or asbestos insulation. Even if you think your new home looks great and is up to code inside and out, getting an expert opinion never hurts – so why take the risk?
How Long it Will Take
The length of time a professional takes depends on many factors—including size and complexity of the house itself—but most general assessments take between two and three hours in total. Some more comprehensive inspections can take upwards of four hours though so it’s important to factor this into your timeline when looking at homes for sale. If you’re selling a home, it can take one to two weeks to schedule and complete a home inspection, so plan ahead if you decide to do one.
How Much They Cost
Home inspections can be a costly – though worthwhile – investment, depending on the size and complexity of the property you are purchasing. On average, a basic home inspection will cost between $200-$500. However, depending on how extensive the inspection needs to be and your geographical location, this number can increase into the thousands. For example, if an inspection is required for a large property or an older home, the price tag can run up to $1,500 or more.
Overall, getting your home inspected is a great idea and can help you identify underlying issues that could cost a lot of money in the future. Keep these things in mind and you’ll be well on your way to having, buying, or selling a safe home!
Check out this article on why a DIY inspection is no replacement for a professional!