Home inspection mistakes, can turn the dream home into a money pit quicker than you can say ‘renovation’-so avoid them for a successful and and stress-free first-time home buying experience. Buying your first home can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, filled with many important decisions. That’s why we’ve put together this article.
Let’s dive into the Top 7 home inspection mistakes to avoid during your home inspection and make your first-time home buying experience a success!
One of the most crucial steps in the home buying process is the home inspection. A home inspection is a professional assessment of a property’s condition and is an essential part of the home buying process. It can save you from unexpected expenses and help you make an informed decision about your purchase. By being proactive and informed, you can ensure that you get the most out of your inspection, avoid costly surprises, and make an informed decision about one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make.
Home Inspection Mistake #1. Not Hiring A Certified Home Inspector
When it comes to home inspections, one of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make is not hiring a certified home inspector. A certified home inspector is a professional who has undergone rigorous training and certification to evaluate the condition of a property.
By hiring a certified inspector, you can ensure that you receive a thorough and accurate assessment of the home’s condition, which can help you make informed decisions about your purchase.
Certified home inspectors are trained to identify both major and minor issues that may be present in a home. These issues may include problems with the foundation, electrical system, plumbing, roof, HVAC, and more.
” Hiring a certified inspector can save you from unexpected expenses and potentially dangerous situations down the line.
#2. Skipping The Home Inspection!
Some first-time home buyers may be tempted to skip the home inspection for various reasons, such as a desire to save money or because they believe the home looks to be in good condition. However, skipping the inspection can be a costly mistake in the long run.
A home inspection can reveal issues that may not be immediately apparent, such as hidden water damage, faulty electrical systems, or structural damage. By skipping the inspection, you may be setting yourself up for unexpected and expensive repairs in the future.
So, how do you schedule a home inspection?
It’s important to schedule the inspection as early as possible after your offer is accepted. Typically you have a specific time you have to have the inspection done at this stage. Ask your agent about the number of days. Typically it’s 7 in Michigan. This will give you enough time to negotiate repairs or a lower price with the seller based on the findings of the inspection.
#3. Not Attending the Inspection
Are you about to have a home inspection but thinking about not attending it? It’s a big mistake to skip out on home inspection day. It is sort of like skipping the exam before graduation. When you attend the inspection, the home inspector becomes your very own personal tour guide, walking you through every nook and cranny of the property and explaining all of their findings. It’s like having a backstage pass to your future home!
Showing up to the home inspection isn’t just about getting the inside scoop. You can also ask the inspector any questions you have about the property, like “Hey, why is this wall leaning like the Tower of Pisa?” or “What’s up with this funky smell in the basement?” And the inspector will happily suggest fixes and solutions to any problems they find.
Photo by Mark Amores
Plus, attending the inspection is a chance to learn about the inner workings of your new home – like how the heating and cooling systems work or where the water shut-off valve is located. Trust me, this knowledge will come in handy when you’re trying to fix something in the future.
Don’t miss out on this golden opportunity to get the inside scoop on your future home. Attend that inspection, ask those questions, and gain some peace of mind knowing you’re making an informed decision about your investment. Your future self will thank you for it.
Home Inspection Mistake #4.
Focusing on Cosmetics- Not Functionality
One of the biggest home inspection mistakes first-time home buyers make during a home inspection is focusing too much on cosmetic issues instead of functionality. While it’s natural to want a home that looks good, it’s important to prioritize functional issues over cosmetic ones.
Functional issues are problems that affect the safety, livability, and structural integrity of the home. Cosmetic issues, on the other hand, are superficial problems that are easy and inexpensive to fix. For example, a crack in the wall is a cosmetic issue, while a leaking roof is a functional issue.
Functional Issues in a new home:
When prioritizing issues to address, it’s important to focus on the functional issues first. Functional issues can have a significant impact on the safety and livability of the home, while cosmetic issues are usually easy to fix and can wait.
Examples of functional issues include problems with the roof, foundation, electrical system, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Cosmetic issues include things like peeling paint, outdated fixtures, and cosmetic damage.
Prioritizing functional issues will help ensure the safety and livability of the home, while cosmetic issues can wait. So, be sure to take a closer look at the functional aspects of the home and address any issues before moving onto cosmetic ones.
#5. Not Reading The Inspection Report- Thoroughly
First, let’s talk about what exactly a home inspection report is. An inspection report is a detailed document that outlines the findings of the home inspection. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the condition of the home, including any defects or potential issues that may need to be addressed.
A thorough inspection report is crucial in helping you make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the purchase of a property.
Unfortunately, many first-time buyers make the mistake of not reading the inspection report thoroughly, which can lead to unexpected surprises down the road. Common mistakes include only skimming the report or not taking the time to fully understand the findings. This can result in missed opportunities to negotiate repairs or even backing out of a sale altogether.
To avoid making these mistakes, it’s important to take the time to read the report thoroughly. Start by taking note of any major issues or safety concerns that could affect the livability of the home. Next, make note of any recommended repairs or maintenance items. Finally, be sure to ask your home inspector for clarification if you have any questions or concerns about the report.
“Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to making a smart investment in your future home.”
#6. Not Requesting or Negotiating for Reasonable Repairs
You’re excited to close on your dream home and start living the good life. But don’t let that excitement cloud your judgment when it comes to requesting repairs. Remember, this is a big investment, and you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
But here’s the thing: not all repairs are created equal. You need to be realistic when asking for repairs or negotiating them.
Sure, you could ask the seller to fix every tiny crack in the sidewalk or replace the kitchen sink just because it’s not your style. But let me tell you, that’s not realistic, and it could even have you lose the deal on the home altogether. So, it’s important to prioritize and focus on the repairs that really matter.
Now, let’s talk about the benefits of requesting repairs or negotiating them.
First of all, it could save you a lot of money in the long run. If there are any major issues with the home, like a leaky roof or faulty electrical wiring, it’s better to get those fixed before you move in. And if you’re not comfortable making those repairs yourself, asking the seller to do it or negotiating a credit towards the cost of the repairs is a smart move. Plus, it could give you some peace of mind knowing that your new home is in tip-top shape.
And finally, here are some tips for requesting and negotiating repairs:
Be specific and provide evidence of any issues, get multiple quotes for the cost of the repairs, and be willing to compromise. Remember, you want to come to a mutually beneficial agreement with the seller, not start a war. So, keep it cool and stay focused on what’s really important – a safe and functional home for you and your loved ones.
#7. Future Maintenance Costs
Not considering future maintenance costs is one of the most common home inspection mistakes a buyer makes after getting the inspection.
Explanation of Future Maintenance Costs
Future maintenance costs refer to the expenses that you will incur to maintain and repair your home over time. These costs can vary depending on the age, condition, and type of home you own. Understanding and budgeting for these costs is crucial to ensure that you can properly maintain your home and avoid costly repairs in the future.
Examples of Maintenance Costs to Consider
Some examples of future maintenance costs to consider include routine maintenance tasks such as cleaning gutters, servicing HVAC systems, and regular roof inspections. In addition, it’s important to consider larger expenses such as replacing appliances, repairing or replacing the roof, and upgrading the electrical or plumbing systems. It’s also important to consider the age of the home and whether there are any potential issues that could arise in the future, such as replacing the HVAC system or dealing with an aging foundation.
Tips for Estimating Future Maintenance Costs
One of the best ways to estimate future maintenance costs is to ask the current homeowners about their maintenance experiences and costs. Additionally, you can research the average costs for routine maintenance tasks and larger repairs in your area. It’s also important to get a thorough inspection report from a certified home inspector to identify any potential issues that may require future maintenance or repairs. By considering future maintenance costs, you can make an informed decision about whether a home is truly within your budget and avoid unexpected expenses down the road.
In conclusion, a home inspection is a crucial step in the home buying process that should not be overlooked or taken lightly. By avoiding common home inspection mistakes, you can ensure a successful and stress-free first-time home buying experience.
Remember to always hire a certified home inspector, attend the inspection, focus on functionality over cosmetics, and thoroughly read the inspection report.
A bad home inspection experience is like finding out your dream home has more hidden problems than a reality TV star. However, with all this data and inside information about the mistakes to avoid, you can now confidently go into your home inspection ready for the moment you can swipe right on your dream home and dodge any unpleasant future surprises!
At Top Floor Home Inspections, we understand the importance of a thorough inspection, and our certified home inspectors are trained to identify both major and minor issues that may be present in a home.
Call us today to schedule a home inspection and get the inside scoop on your future home. Don’t make the same mistakes other first-time buyers make.