Buying a home is not something that most people do regularly. Because of that, most people do not know what to expect from a home inspection. Just as no two homes are alike, neither are two home inspections. Today on the blog Commonwealth Home Services breaks down what to expect from a home inspection.
What to Expect
A home inspection is a visually exhaustive inspection of the workings and operating systems of a home. A good home inspector will thoroughly review the home from top to bottom, inside and out. Everything from the roof, to attic, down to the basement and even crawl space under the house. Within the house a good home inspector will examine the windows and doors, the plumbing, electrical, and heating & air conditioning systems. Outside the home the inspector will visually examine the grounds, decks, and any other structure on the property.
Every home inspection varies in length, dependent on the size of the property and condition of the home. On average, a home inspection takes between 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours. The best time to perform the inspection is during daylight hours. This ensures we can perform a clear visual examination. Typically a home inspection needs to be performed within 7 to 10 days of ratifying a contract. Because of the urgency, Commonwealth Home Services is available on weekends.
How Much Does it Cost?
Every inspection is tailored to your needs. Some factors that determine the cost are age of the home, size, and dwelling type. There are also additional inspections that may be beneficial due to location, such as a radon inspection, or health reasons, such as an indoor air quality inspection. Contact Commonwealth Home Services today to get a custom quote for your home inspection needs.
The Result…
It is important to remember that a home inspection is not a pass/fail grade. It is a summary of the current state of the property so that you can make an educated and informed decision on how to proceed. Every home inspection concludes with an report complete with pictures and recommendations to improve the condition of the space. Check out this sample report for further detail.
It is up to you to decide how you would like to proceed with the information received. Some items may be minor and a quick fix that don’t warrant asking the seller for concessions. Other items may require immediate remediation or result in a possible price reduction. Work with your realtor to determine the best plan of action.
Thinking about buying or selling a home? Contact Commonwealth Home Services to get a custom quote tailored to your needs and schedule your home inspection today.
