Home inspections are the “platinum standard” for real estate transactions and quality homeowners insurance coverage. However, they’re also “optional.”
As a result, homeowners who forgo this inspection to save a few bucks lose the opportunity to glean critical information about their homes. This puts them at serious risk for Homebuyer’s Remorse, purchasing a home that needs far more work than anticipated and that may not qualify for homeowner’s insurance.
Home Inspections Prevent Homebuyer’s Remorse
A 2023 Realtor.com post shares four top reasons homebuyers experience buyer’s remorse. Two of the four reasons, “unanticipated repairs” and “fire damage that’s worse than anticipated,” would have been eliminated had the buyers invested in a home inspection by a licensed home inspector.
One homebuyer admitted that he and his partner were “too fast and loose with inspections while nailing down the deal” and wished they’d “done more rigorous checks before buying the house…”
Home inspections are affordable, especially when considering the tens of thousands of dollars they save homebuyers (and prospective homebuyers) that would have been wasted without the invaluable inspection report findings.
5 Reasons to Schedule a Home Inspection Before Purchasing a Home
The average cost for a home inspection here in Volusia County is around $200 to $300 (or more, depending on square footage or any add-ons). This is a very reasonable cost when you consider all you’ll gain.
During a home inspection, we’ll do a thorough inspection of over 1,000 things on your home, including these 4 critical (and most expensive to replace) areas:
- Roof – Your roof inspection also includes an inspection of the attic. In addition to learning more about your roof’s quality and life expectancy, we’ll let you know if we notice inadequate insulation, poor ventilation, lack of air sealing, or evidence of leaks or moisture control issues.
- HVAC – HVAC systems are critical to whole-home comfort, humidity, and air quality. They can also be a source of fire risk if they’re old or poorly maintained. Along with inspecting the HVAC equipment, we assess the air ducts, furnace or boiler equipment, and the status of the fireplace and chimney.
- Electrical – Outdated, overloaded, and faulty electrical systems are a leading cause of house fires in the United States. 4-point inspections closely examine the home’s electrical panel, wiring, fixtures, outlets, and other related electrical components, reporting any red flags.
- Plumbing – We’ll also inspect the plumbing system, providing information on the pipes’ status, water drainage in toilets, sinks, and baths/showers, and noting any signs of previous or current leaks. Plumbing inspections also include feedback on the water heater or any indications of sewer or septic issues.
Here are five reasons you invest in a home inspection before signing your final contract.
1. A 100% Objective Perspective On Your Home
We’re fortunate to partner with high-quality real estate agents in the DeLand area. However, not all agents are created equal. While agents are legally obligated to disclose certain information about a property, they aren’t privy to the internal workings of a structure. Home inspectors are objective, third-party experts who provide straightforward information about a home’s core systems.
The resulting inspection report highlights any existing or potential issues, ranking them in order of importance. This provides prospective homeowners with the information they need to make an informed offer, request seller credits, or forgo a home altogether so they can find something more turnkey or budget-friendly.
2. Buyer’s Bargaining Power
Sometimes, the information we provide in our inspection reports puts things in perspective. Sellers work hard to show their homes in the best light, but the things they do to enhance curb appeal can hide a multitude of expensive – but necessary – repair and replacement needs.
You’ll have bargaining power if a home’s listing price is at the top of the market – but it needs extensive repairs or replacements. Now you can make an offer at a reasonable market price or request applicable seller credits to offset the difference.
3. Better Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage
Homeowner’s insurance carriers are increasingly strict about what they’ll cover and what they won’t. Also, monthly premium prices are dependent on the status of the home’s key structural and operational systems. If an inspection report shows that a roof is 15 years old or more or that it’s in disrepair, you won’t be able to get homeowner’s insurance. The same is true for other red flag items on a home inspection.
If your home is still insurable, but the systems are not as new or well-maintained as carriers like them to be, you’ll find yourself paying higher premiums. Ultimately your inspection report, and documentation showing you’ve used licensed contractors to provide recommended repairs or maintenance, can save hundreds of dollars in annual premium payments.
4. A Comfortable Place to Call Home
Purchasing a home that requires more-than-anticipated repairs can be a major letdown. Often, people find themselves living in homes that are:
- Musty
- Moldy
- Leaky
- Unstable
- Drafty
- Too hot or too cold
- Dangerous (sparking, overloaded circuits and outlets)
- Smelly (often the result of pest/rodent infestations)
- Etc.
It can take months or even years to make the necessary repairs or replacements to bring an outdated or poorly maintained home up to par if you don’t have the budget for it at the outset.
5. Safety!
Roof and electrical issues are no small thing. Living in a home with a shoddy roof or outdated/faulty electrical systems puts you and other home occupants at risk. These issues should always be repaired before anyone moves into the home. Mold and pest infestations also pose safety and health risks, especially for families with compromised immune or respiratory systems.
Our inspectors always make notes about anything they notice that could compromise the health and safety of our clients.
Take Advantage The 24-Hour Turn Around Window With SIP
Super Inspection Pros knows that time is of the essence when it comes to getting the information you need to finalize your real estate transaction. We promise a 24-hour turnaround on all of our home inspections and reports. Contact us to schedule your home inspection with a home inspection company that has your best interests at heart.
