If you’re in the process of buying a new home in Spokane, there’s more than likely quite a few things going through your head, that may not include a home inspection. When will I get my keys? When do I sign? How long will it take? You’ll also be thinking about how much money you should have saved, mortgages and interest rates, and closing costs.
One very important part of the process that you definitely shouldn’t overlook when buying a home in Spokane, or anywhere for that matter, is a home inspection. Below we’ll go through what home inspectors look for, why they’re important, and why you should definitely have one done. We’ll also touch on the very rare reasons you could skip this step.
So, What Exactly is a Home Inspection?
It isn’t anything complicated; it’s exactly as the name sounds. A licensed home inspector comes to take a look at your potential new home. They’ll then report back to you about the overall condition of the home, including details about the home’s foundation, electrical systems, plumbing, and the structure itself. A home inspector might also look at the attic and insulation, ceilings and interior walls, doors, and door frames, roofing, windows, and the basement or crawl space.
The purpose of this process is to let you know what potential (or definite) repairs you should anticipate needing if you do choose to purchase the home. A home inspection is meant to keep you informed, so the more detail, the better.
There are many benefits and reasons for a thorough home inspection, and some of the most important ones are listed below:
A Home Inspection Can Save You Money
Buying a home is always a big investment, and you want to make sure you aren’t spending any more than you have to. A home inspection can help you with that. If you purchase a home without first having an inspection done, you might end up stuck having to make expensive repairs after the fact.
A home inspection can uncover the potential need for these repairs, and you can then ask that the sellers pay for them before you buy the home. Another option here would be to negotiate a lower price for the home.
Sellers might also be more motivated to put extra effort into making sure their homes are safe and in the best possible condition if they know an inspector will be taking a thorough look at the building.
Confidence and Peace of Mind
A thorough home inspection can help you feel more prepared both for your purchase and your future in your new home. Making sure you know all the ins and outs of your home can help you avoid buyer’s remorse and make sure it really is the perfect home for you and your family.
An Unbiased Opinion
Unlike the people trying to sell their home, a professional home inspector has no vested interest whatsoever in whether or not you buy the home. Their only goal is to provide you with the best information possible. In the home buying process, where everyone from your friends and family to your coworkers has an opinion, an unbiased, professional report can be extremely helpful and refreshing.
An Exterior Evaluation
You may think of home inspections as something that takes place primarily within the home, but the inspector will take the exterior of the building into account as well. They’ll look at the roof, siding, gutters, downspouts, windows, doors, and lighting. They can also check the condition of the driveway, sidewalks, steps, patio, balconies, porch, and garage. If the outside of the home hasn’t been properly maintained over the years, it can present costly expenses. It’s best to know everything there is to know about a home, both inside and out, before buying.
A High Return on Investment
Return on investment, or ROI, is the benefit of an investment divided by its cost. In simpler terms, it’s the bang for your buck for a particular purchase. The return on investment of hiring a home inspector is extremely high. Hiring a home inspector only costs about $400. When compared to the price of any necessary repairs they might find, which could be up to $4,000, or even higher – that’s a few hundred dollars very well spent.
Reasons Not To Have a Home Inspection in Spokane
Overall, the benefits of having a home inspection done in Spokane seriously outweigh the costs. If you happen to be a contractor, there is a good chance that you are well qualified to inspect the home yourself. You have the specialized knowledge necessary, and know what you are planning to do once the purchase is complete. We can still negotiate the purchase price if your inspection turns up some major flaws, but you may not need to pay an inspector in this situation!
However, if you’re buying a home and you don’t have this kind of knowledge, hiring a professional home inspector is definitely the best, safest, and most cost-effective way to go. Need help with the home buying process? Schedule an appointment today and we can discuss all the specifics related to your situation!
