subject: Why Hire A Home Inspector? [print this page] When searching for a home to buy, much forethought is involved. Everything from deciding on what neighbourhood to live in, to the things that you're going to need and want out of your new property must be considered beforehand. Another decision that should never be overlooked is determining who will inspect the home that you are considering buying.
Hiring a knowledgeable professional with a wealth of experience and a proven track record is absolutely crucial to ensuring that your home purchase doesn't turn out to be the single largest financial mistake your life. This is why it's imperative to work with a professional real estate agent that can guide you through the buying process, handle negotiations, and deal with the paperwork. It's also important to have a licensed home inspector on-hand to spot issues in the home that you (and possibly the seller) would otherwise be unaware of.
Home inspectors can spot red flags like leaking roofs, faulty plumbing, mould, and other problems that could potentially add up to thousands of dollars' worth of repairs. These types of issues are not only costly to repair, but could also pose major safety concerns for your family. For most people, the initial cost of hiring an inspector is well worth the peace of mind that a thorough inspection can provide. When you're about to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars for a house, you want to know what you're getting into.
Be mindful that an older home may be in more of a need for renovations than a newer home. But that doesn't mean that newer homes are problem free. There's no telling whether or not a new home was slapped together quickly, or if corners were cut. This is why it's still worth hiring a qualified home inspector, whether you are considering buying an older home or a brand new one.
Remember that having a home inspection completed doesn't necessarily mean that every aspect of the home has been inspected and accounted for. Be sure to read through the home inspection report thoroughly, and raise any questions or concerns that you may have about it or the home. If you aren't satisfied, consider a second opinion from another certified home inspector or a licensed contractor. Before you close the sale, ensure that the home is up to building code requirements and safety standards. If it's not, find out how much it will cost to bring it up to standards, and negotiate that into the final sale price.
