In our last blog post we talked about what to expect from a home inspection. Today on the blog, Commonwealth Home Services breaks down the different types of home inspections available. You may be surprised to learn home inspections are not just for potential home buyers.
Types of Home Inspections
Buyer’s Inspection
The home inspection people are most familiar with is the buyer’s inspection. Typically performed once a home goes under contract, this inspection is performed by a licensed home inspector on behalf of the buyer to assess the current state of the home and its operating systems before finalizing the purchase. Findings are used to verify the integrity of the home, and possibly re-negotiate the purchase price or take corrective action before closing.
When it is a seller’s market every contract stipulation matters. Low inventory and bidding wars become common nature. Unfortunately, that means many buyer’s forgo the home inspection to try and submit a more appealing offer. A competitive market is not the time to forgo your peace of mind, or pay even more for a potential money pit. You test drive a car before you purchase, so why would you buy a home, one of the largest purchases you will ever make, without inspecting it first?
A pre-contract inspection is a home inspection performed on behalf of the buyer before a contract is submitted. This allows the buyer to make a more educated decision and be confident in an offer that waives the home inspection addendum.
Seller’s Inspection
Everyone wants to get the most money from the sale of their home. Especially during a buyer’s market when competition is high, it is important to make sure your home presents as best as possible. With a seller’s inspection, a licensed home inspector representing the seller, completes an inspection prior to putting the home on the market. Based on the recommendations made, the seller can decide if any issues should be corrected prior to going to market. A little money spent up front can result in thousands more made during the sale or fewer days spent on the market.
Operational Inspection
Not all inspections are performed when buying or selling a home. We take our cars to the shop for routine maintenance; we take ourselves to the doctor for annual checkups. So why not be proactive and protect your most expensive asset with an operational home inspection? If you’ve lived in your home for a few years, just had some renovation work done, or are planning to have work done and want to get a better understanding of the current state of your home and its operating systems, an operational inspection may be the way to go.
Every inspection comes with a detailed report including pictures and recommendations describing areas for improvement and age of operating systems. With a background in contracting and a master HVAC license, Commonwealth Home Services can also help answer questions about the priority of updates and life expectancy of systems.
New Construction/Pre-Drywall & Warranty Home Inspections
No home, even a new home is perfect. An inspection performed prior to drywall installation on new homes or homes undergoing a renovation. An opportunity not often available, to see what is behind the walls before things are covered up. The 11-month new construction warranty inspection protects the buyer against defects or faulty construction practices as the homeowner nears the end of their warranty period.
Radon Inspection
In 2005 the U.S. Surgeon General issued a national health advisory to highlight the seriousness of radon. Radon is the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause of cancer in the United States.
We recommend testing your home’s level before putting it up for sale, especially in Northern Virginia where radon is so prevalent. Save the test results for potential buyers and install a mitigation system, if necessary. This could be a positive selling point!
For home buyers, ask the seller for radon test results, or information on the mitigation system if one is present. If the seller cannot provide any information we recommend having a radon inspection performed along with your home inspection.
Mold can be found all around us, especially in areas susceptible to flooding, like many locations in Virginia and DC. For those with serious mold allergies living in a home with mold behind the walls or under the carpet can be deadly. Talk with an indoor air quality professional like Commonwealth Home Services before purchasing a home to schedule an air quality sample along with the home inspection. Discuss your concerns with the Tester to determine the best samples to take. Or, if you are selling your home and suspect their may be a mold issue from past water damage, have an indoor air quality test performed before listing your home so you can mitigate any potential issues that may hold up the sale.
Water Sample Inspection
Water is one of the most important natural resources to our survival. Ensuring the water at your home is not contaminated protects the safety of you and your family. The bank may even require a water sample test be performed to finalize the sale of a home, especially for those homes on a well and septic system. Commonwealth Home Services works with a lab that can provide detailed results on the quality and safety of your water so you have peace of mind.
As a seller, have a licensed master HVAC mechanic perform preventative maintenance on the most expensive system in your home before putting it on the market so no issues will hold up the sale. As a buyer, have the HVAC system of your potential new home inspected to ensure operability and address any issues prior to closing.
An off-season HVAC inspection is a preventative maintenance inspection performed on the home’s HVAC system approximately 6 months after the home purchase to ensure system operability in all months throughout the year.
The Result…
Every inspection is tailored to your needs. Some factors that determine the cost are age of the home, size, and dwelling type. 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.
Thinking you may need an inspection? Contact Commonwealth Home Services to get a free estimate tailored to your needs and schedule your home inspection today.
