Inspection For Your Home And When Is It Done
A home inspector job is to look over the home from top to bottom. The buyer has the choice of whether to have an inspection completed or not, but it’s always highly recommended. The home inspector will provide a written statement with results to the buyer. The home inspection process should always take place before the end of the option period. Therefore, if the inspection report shows the house in a different light, you can walk away without losing the earnest money.
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What To Expect During A Home Inspection:
- A home inspector will look at interior plumbing, HVAC system, and electrical systems. They will inspect the roof, windows and doors, floors, attic, basement, and structural components.
- A home inspection takes typically two to four hours but may take longer depending on the home size.
- We advise buyers to attend the home inspection so you can see in detail your new home and ask the inspector any questions. Buyers will get more informative information than just reading a report.
Home Inspection Checklist:
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors’ (ASHI), the inspector will review the following.
- Roof
- Attic, including visible insulation
- Walls
- Heating system
- Central air conditioning system (temperature permitting)
- Interior plumbing and electrical system
- Floors
- Ceilings
- Windows and doors
- Foundation
- Basement
- Structural components
Paying for an expert
The buyer normally pays for a house inspection. However, you can negotiate the seller pays for the home inspection.
At times, sellers get a home inspection before they list their home for sale. The seller’s inspection report can provide the owner with an opportunity to fix or replace the issue before the home ever hits the market for sale.
However, we recommend that our buyers obtain their report after we have an excepted contract. We believe in always having an arm-length transaction, having an expert that does not have any ties with the seller or seller’s agent.
Why Sell With Terra Point Realty
How much is a home inspection
HomeAdvisor has the national average cost for a home inspection right around $336. In the Greater Houston Area, like Fulshear, Texas, the price comes in about $278 to $399. Low-end start around $200 to the high end of $500. The actual cost also depends on where the home is, as well as the home’s size. Some home inspections have a fixed price for homes up to 2000 square feet and will add $25 for every 500 square feet.
Remember, the cheapest isn’t always the best. Even though Texas requires a license to be a home inspector, ensure the inspector is sufficiently qualified and has the experience. Picking an ASHI member may add some reassurance on who to pick. Your ASHI home inspector holds themselves to a standard of being competent and ethical.
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Can there be other types of inspection costs
Buyers are sometimes advised in the inspection report to have other types of home inspections done. There may be a need to obtain other specialty reports concerning the possible presence of:
- Mold
- Lead Piping or Paint
- Termites
- Asbestos
- Radon
Asbestos and lead were commonly used in constructing older homes. These construction materials are not legal for use in newer homes. Sometimes buyers will require the inspector to check the sewer pipes with a camera.
How long does a home inspection take
In the Greater Houston Texas area, the home inspection varies, depending on several factors:
- Number of defects
- The size of the house
- How the homeowner has prepared the home for inspection
- The attention to detail of the inspector
Expect two to four hours for your home inspection unless there are unusual circumstances.
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