Home inspections are meant to keep potential homebuyers safe from any major defects a property may have. But do you really need one? While there is no law that requires a buyer to conduct an inspection prior to purchasing a home, ideally the answer should always be “yes”. A home inspection can save you time, stress, and help you to avoid any potential financial risks by proactively identifying any issues with the home.
The home inspector will do a visual examination of the structure and components of the home to ensure everything is performing correctly and is in safe working condition, paying special attention to the following areas of the home:
- Roof
- Ventilation
- Fireplace
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Appliances
- Exterior
- HVAC
- Structure
Cosmetic repairs are generally of no concern unless they pose a safety issue. For example, an inspector will report the large water stain on a wall, but they may not report the peeling wallpaper.
While an inspection cannot reveal every area of concern, it can give the buyer a pretty good picture of the state of the home, as well as some negotiating room if there are issues that need to be addressed. After all, knowledge is power, especially when making a large purchase such as a home.
