What is a home inspection?
A home inspection examines all the accessible structural and functional components of a home. A home inspection in Denver gives the homeowner or its buyer an idea of the home’s present condition. The reports delivered during a home inspection affect the decision made by the buyer. At times an inspection can uncover severe problems in a house and even lead to the buyer backing out.
Don’t confuse a home inspection with an appraisal, a home inspection merely protects the buyer’s or homeowners investments and interest. After an inspection, a buyer can negotiate the price of the home following the uncovered defects, ask for repairs, or walk away. A home inspection does not determine the cost of repairs and does not guarantee an item inspected will not fail in the future, it simply evaluates the property on the day it is inspected.
Home inspections further branch out to advanced inspections. Advanced inspections come at an added cost and can be requested by a home owner or suggested by a home inspector if he senses a serious issue.
Sellers also benefit from home inspections to determine the value of their property and see if any issues are present. On the other hand home inspections are used by current homeowners to maintain their homes and avoid any ugly surprises in the case of failure or damage to the house. Here are some of the most common home inspection questions asked with their answers simplified;
What Is Inspected In A Home Inspection?
A home inspection includes an evaluation of the structural and functional parts of a home, these parts include:
-Foundation
-Walls
-Flooring
-Ceilings
-Roof
-Windows and doors
-Plumbing systems
-Electrical systems
-HVAC
-Garage and Patios
What To Pay Attention To In An Inspection Report?
An inspection report covers the condition of all the components in a house. It will highlight areas that need a home owner’s attention. Some things need more attention if found on a home inspection report:
-Foundations problems such as cracks in the structure should not be ignored. Problems such as these can be expensive to fix and repair so its better to address them while they are still under control.
-Electrical wiring issues; exposed wiring can be a major safety hazard, especially if children are around the house. If your inspection report highlights old wiring you should replace that too because it can be a fire hazard. In addition old wiring can put burden on the electrical system of the house and cause higher energy bills.
-Any problems with the roof, such as leaking that could worsen in the future, should be addressed immediately. Roofs are often neglected and repairing roof damage can be a costly nuisance.
-Missing safety features such as railings on decks and balconies are a safety hazard and need to be taken care of at the soonest.
Your home inspector will advise you about all these problems and recommend evaluation on serious issues. He will refer professionals from the related field which needs attention; for instance, he may recommend a structural engineer if he finds a defect in your home’s foundation.
Why Do I Need A Home Inspection In The First Place?
A house has numerous parts and systems that function together to make it comfortable for living. In addition, there are hundreds of sub-parts within all the appliances and systems working in your home. If anything is compromised, it will lead to malfunctioning and compromised life of the component. Therefore, it is very important to maintain the upkeep of all the elements within a home to make it a comfortable place to live in.
Are Home Inspections Done By A Buyer Or Seller?
Both buyers and sellers can have home inspections; a home inspection comes in handy for a seller by giving him a current assessment of his property, according to which he can decide on a value to sell it. On the other hand, it also offers a homeowner a chance to fix any issues detected during an inspection and restore them to keep the home sale smooth sailing. A buyer’s inspection is essential because it safeguards the buyer’s interest. An inspection helps him avoid any risks associated with buying a home he knows nothing about.
Can I Do A Home Inspection On My own?
A home inspector is equipped with extensive knowledge, training, and skills to conduct a home inspection. You may not be able to detect problems in a house. Other than this, inspectors help assess the life of all the systems and give an idea of when specific components may need replacement. Professional home inspectors have years of experience that helps them detect the minutest of faults in a home.
How much Will A Home Inspection Cost Me?
The cost of home inspections generally varies with the size and age of a house. A 2000 square foot house can take somewhere between $350- $400 for an inspection. The price of a home inspection is not a guarantee about its quality. You should do your research before choosing a credible home inspection company. If you need certified home inspection services in Denver, you can contact Axium for a home inspection estimate.
How Long Will A Home Inspection Take?
A routine inspection for a standard-sized home takes between 2-3 hours. A general assessment is 1.5 hours for 1000 sq/ft of area. This time varies with the condition and the size of your home.
Does Law require home Inspections?
No states require home inspections by law but not getting a home inspection done can cause you immense loss. In addition, an assessment safeguards your investments. Homes do not come with money-back guarantees, so getting an inspection done is best for any home buyer.
Do I Need To Be At An Inspection?
There is no compulsion from home companies for you to attend inspections, but attending an inspection can be very beneficial since you can get to know your home better. Walking through an inspection allows you to ask any questions you may have regarding different systems or parts of your home. Home inspectors are experienced professionals who can educate you through a home inspection. If you are a buyer attending an inspection, a home inspector can help you know about the present condition of the home you are planning to buy. This, in turn, enables you to make an informed choice regarding the purchase.
