A Home inspection is an important part of the home sale process, both for buyers and sellers. When it’s time for you to hire an inspector, here are five things you should be thinking about:
1. It’s your choice: You are not bound or obligated to use any particular inspector (including a Builder’s inspector). Your real estate professional may have some recommendations, but it’s ultimately up to you. Ask around and choose wisely—better to pay a little more now for a highly-respected inspector than to be surprised by a problem that the inspection didn’t reveal.
2. Looking for big problems: The inspector will be focused on the integrity of the home—safety, electrical work, foundation, load-bearing walls, etc. The inspector is not there to point out problems with ugly paint colors or light fixtures.
3. The report: There are hundreds of items to inspect in a home, so the inspector’s report will focus on the basics: What’s damaged, what needs repairing, etc. The report should be easy to read and understand.
4. Code of ethics: Though the inspector is working for the party that pays the inspector’s fee, the inspector will not deliver a report that intentionally hides or omits damaging information about the home. The report is private between you and the inspector, but if you’re the seller, you’re required to disclose any problems that the inspection reveals.
5. The inspector is not liable: Even the best inspectors can’t find every single problem in a home. They can’t see inside the walls or through the floors, so there could still be problems lurking. If a problem is revealed down the road, the inspector can’t be held responsible.
Whether you’re buying a pre-owned home or a new construction home, it’s advised to get a home inspection. If you’re a homeowner and you have your house inspected, just remember that you’ll need to disclose all of the findings to your next buyer.
NEED A HOME INSPECTOR? Here is a list of some of the inspectors my clients have used and were happy with – San Antonio Home Inspectors.
- What does a Home Inspector Inspect?
- Can I be Present During the Home Inspection?
- Can I take Friends and Family to the Inspection
- What Information Do I Need When I Call Home Inspectors for Quotes?
- Who Would You Recommend to Inspect My Home?
Texas law requires all real estate license holders to provide the Information About Brokerage Services to all prospective clients. TREC’s Consumer Protection Notice.
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