It’s incredible how some people spend more time researching their next television than they do on their future homes. The reality is that a person’s new house will probably be their most expensive purchase. If they have bought wisely, it will also become their greatest asset. If they have made a mistake, however, it could be costly.
For this reason, millions of people all over the world arrange pre-purchase home inspections. They serve to either put a person’s mind at rest or to make them seek an alternative home.
We will now discuss seven key reasons why having such an inspection should not be avoided.
1. A Professional Assessment is Needed
When an inspector arrives at a house, they bring their knowledge and experience with them. According to the home inspectors at Asbir.com.au, a place could have a host of issues ranging from structural and safety problems to termite infestations or leaks. It may take a range of modern technology such as moisture detection meters or borescopes to thoroughly spot the underlying issues. In turn, a comprehensive report can then be produced, with an outline of its key recommendations.
2. Essential Checks Can be Made
A home inspector will check the roof and external walls, alongside the foundation. They will assess the land and any garage or shed. A close-up view will be taken of the external cladding, and all the doors and windows. Inside a house, checks will be made on the electricity and plumbing systems, and the heating and ventilation.
3. A Professional May See What You Can’t
To the untrained eye, a house may look like a bargain. It often takes a professional to identify the true state of a property. The house owner may have covered over an area of dampness with a coat of paint. There may be other suspicious things, such as locked rooms or concealed subfloors. Professional inspectors can use such equipment as thermal imaging cameras to identify unseen issues. This removes the need to tear down walls or rip up floorboards.
4. The Inspection Might Uncover Issues
Perhaps there are rotting beams or cracked walls. This could be not just a structural issue but a safety concern. If termites have been attacking the house timbers, this can be identified, and remedial action is recommended. There may have also been leaks that have damaged the building.
A person’s HVAC system will probably be their next biggest purchase after their house. If this is not fully functional, the inspector will raise their concerns. Alternatively, there could be other safety issues, such as the presence of asbestos, mildew, and mold, that could create respiratory problems for the home’s occupants. Inspectors may also be looking for the presence of rodents, cockroaches, or fleas.
5. The Report is a Valuable Document
A potential purchaser may tell the current homeowner that there is an issue. They may drop their offer price to reflect how much it will cost to fix it. Alternatively, they may insist that the current owner sorts everything before the purchase is completed. If the current owner challenges the need for such remedial work to be done, the inspector’s report can serve as valuable confirmation.
If a homeowner seeks to sell their house, they can produce their pre-purchase inspection report as evidence. Needless to say, the more recent this is, the more accurate it will be.
6. It Protects From Unexpected Expenses
No one wants to pay a good price for a property and then have to pay huge sums shortly afterward. To put this in context, let’s see how much some things could cost to fix. Anyone who discovers they need to replace the roof may end up paying $6-10k. If the wiring is outdated and in need of replacement, it could cost $8-15k. An overhaul of the plumbing could cost between $8k and $10k. In order to fix the foundations, it could cost nearly $6k.
7. It’s Too Late Once You’ve Bought the Property
Imagine completing a house purchase and then discovering you have bought a giant white elephant. It may be either uninsurable or require an extra-high premium. You have to pay full attention before the purchase.
In Conclusion
If there is an issue with the home, you would either have to live with it or pay to fix it. It could be near too impossible trying to resell the property too. When someone employs a qualified home inspector, they ensure that their next purchase will be wise. In turn, they can enjoy the new home without issue for many years to come.
