Buying a home is one of the most important decisions for anyone- which is why a home inspection is such an important part of the home buying process once an Offer to Purchase has been accepted.
What is a home inspection?
A Home inspection is a method of getting an in-depth analysis of the condition of the house. The areas of study include the inspection of plumbing and electrical components, heating/air conditioning system, roof of the house, structural integrity etc.
A Home inspection is performed by a professional inspector who prepares the analysis report and assists the buyer in understanding the quality of the house they are going to buy.
We always encourage our buyers to think of an inspection as a means to really get to know the home they’re purchasing- how the systems function as well as an opportunity to qualify and quantify any potential flaws or defects that were not aware at the time of making the offer.
Types and significance of home inspection
There are several types of home inspection which people conduct to better understand the property they are going to buy.
- Residential inspection
A Home Inspector will examine the roof, exterior, electrical, HVAC, plumbing interior, ventilation, insulation, and structure. After the inspection, they will provide a detailed report mentioning improvements needed to bring the house to current standards.
- Termite inspection
A home inspector will look for signs of damaged wood or indications of any further damage that termites or other insects could cause. If revealed, the inspector may suggest a pest specialist be brought in for further investigation.
- Radon Inspection
Radon is a chemical substance that is formed naturally in the areas above granite. Radon gas can be very dangerous, but it is fairly easily mitigated once identified.
The radon test is conducted by placing the testing device on the lowest level of the house, and it’s left there for 2 to 7 days. After this process, samples are sent to the laboratory for testing. The EPA has established guidelines for acceptable levels of radon that can be present, and if the results exceed that level we consult a professional radon mitigation contractor and establish a cost for the mitigation. Of course, if the homebuyer decides they don’t want to proceed with the purchase, the radon inspection contingency allows Offer to Purchase to be withdrawn, and the earnest deposit is returned.