Do I need a home inspection?
Ben Murphy, NC licensed home inspector
Congratulations, in this crazy market you managed to find a home that you like, schedule a showing, submit an offer that you can live with and get that offer accepted! Now you’re wondering “do I need a home inspection?”. It’s seems many homebuyers are bypassing the inspection process and heading straight to closing. But is that the best idea?
Below are some of the top reasons why you need to have a home inspection and why having one can be a huge benefit in the long run.
1. A home inspection can find major issues that could be completely missed on a walkthrough tour
A home inspection will cover the entire home, not just the areas that are easy to access and see when you are walking through it during the showing. Attics are examined to make sure the roof structure, appliance vents and insulation are all up to grade. Crawlspaces get inspected too, and many issues like wood rot and decay, leaking bathroom fixtures and foundation problems can often be found in crawlspaces. The roof will get inspected to determine the age and condition, along with chimneys and skylights. Some of these repairs can cost thousands of dollars and be a huge headache when all you want to do is enjoy your new home.
2. You could avoid a potential money pit altogether
A sad reality could be that what you think will be your dream home is really a nightmare. Just about every issue with a home can be fixed…but that’s going to take money and it may take A LOT of money! The benefit of having a home inspection is that you’ll have a good idea of what sort of things are going to need immediate attention and those that can wait, or maybe just require a quick (and hopefully cheap) fix.
3. It’s better to know than not know
If you could know that your deck was on its last leg, or your water heater was as old as you and getting ready to heat its’ last shower wouldn’t you want to? This way you could negotiate the sale price or have the repairs made before you sign the paperwork. If a roof leaks every time it rains that could be fixed before you move in so your valuables don’t get destroyed by water damage.
In conclusion, there are countless reasons why you need to have a home inspection on your future home before you sign the dotted line. Peace of mind, possibly saving a ton of money on unexpected repairs and knowing that you’re placing your family in a safe home are just a few of them. If you are thinking of buying or selling a home, let us at Redline Home Inspections do the dirty work to give you that peace of mind!
336.683.3652
Ben Murphy, CPI NC License#5089
Certified Professional Inspector though the International Association of Professional Home Inspectors (InterNachi)
