Include a Home Inspection Contingency
Your inspection will be conducted by an unbiased third-party home inspection professional. Your offer-to-buy contract should include a time period during which a professional home inspection can be performed.
The timeframe should give you plenty of time to find a qualified home inspection company, receive your inspection report, and schedule follow-up repairs/inspections.
Qualifications of a Good Home Inspector
Your home inspection professional should be insured and certified (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors [InterNASHI], American Society of Home Inspectors [ASHI]). It helps if your inspection company is local and knowledgeable about property-specific challenges in your county or state.
Home Inspection Terminology
It does no good to find a great home inspection company if you don’t read the report and ask questions. Some of the terminology you may find on your home inspection report includes:
- Cosmetic defect: A superficial flaw or blemish that doesn’t impact safety or functionality
- Major defect: A system or component that is not working, not functional and needs replacement or repair
- Material defect: An issue that might pose a potential safety hazard or have a significant impact on the home’s value
- Minor defect: A small issue that can usually be fixed by a contractor or the homeowner themselves
Follow your home inspector’s recommendations; the inspection may note additional inspections are justified for:
- Asbestos
- Chimney
- Geological
- HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
- Lead
- Mold/mildew
- Pests
- Radon
- Roof
- Sewer/drainage
- Structural
- Termites/insects
Pick Your Priorities
Once you have your completed home inspection report, what’s next? It’s time to prioritize repairs or maintenance you want effected immediately vs. those that can be pushed back. Of the issues cited, which ones:
- Can you handle on your own?
- Pose a hazard to you and your loved ones?
- Would cost a lot to repair?
- Would prevent you from moving in on-time?
Put It in Writing
The items you want repaired immediately should be listed in an amendment or new document. Perhaps you will want the seller to effect the important repairs and negotiate a monetary value for those you can do later, after the purchase. Often the credits to the buyer will be issued as part of the closing costs, but they can also lower the purchase price if that is your preference.
Reinspection
As the buyer, you may want your original home inspection professional to return and inspect the repairs made by the seller. The reinspection may cost, but considering its value (especially if hazards to health and safety were found), the cost is justified.
Moving On and Moving In!
Once your home inspection has been completed, repairs and adjustments made, and a reinspection clears the home, you are ready for your closing! Get ready to sign those papers and move into your new home.
In this area of Florida, Super Inspection Pros understand the excitement and stresses of home inspection. Not only are we happy to answer your questions now; we offer a guarantee that we will be honest, transparent, and truly unbiased.
Super Inspection Pros will also offer:
- 24-hour turnaround: You will have a report within 24 hours of inspection.
- 90 Day Warranty: You’ll receive a limited warranty for items that break/malfunction lasting 90 days from the date of the inspection.
- InterNACHI Buy-Back: If our inspector misses anything, InterNACHI will buy your home back for whatever price you paid.
- RecallChek: We run serial numbers of all appliances/mechanicals and can report any existing recall orders.
Information is free, and knowledge is power. Call 386-279-0802 or contact Super Inspection Pros through our website to learn more.
