Whether it’s your first or the latest of many, purchasing a new home is one of the most exciting things you’ll do in life, and moving into your dream property is a great way to make a fresh start. But before envisioning your ideal design aesthetic and later bringing it to life, you’ll first need to consider the practicalities of securing your property, which include ensuring it’s a savvy investment and the right choice for you.
Buying a home is a large undertaking and a huge financial commitment, and when you’re injecting a large amount of money into something, you’ll want to feel secure in your decision and make sure that you know exactly what you’re getting. Home inspection might not be the most exciting part of the process, but it’s undeniably one of the most important, and having a thorough and professional inspection is essential to ensure that you’re aware of any existing issues or problems before you sign on the dotted line.
Overwhelmed by the prospect? With the right approach, it’s simpler than you think. Here are a few simple steps you can take to ensure things go smoothly.
Hire a qualified home inspector
First of all, you’ll want to make sure you’re working with qualified and experienced professionals in having your home inspected. Do your research on the inspection companies in your area and read some reviews before making your choice, and consider picking a company that uses advanced tools like Coptrz commercial drones to assist in assessing the roof and overall structural integrity, as they’ll be able to provide you with a more thorough picture. It’s fine to ask potential inspectors about their qualifications, experience, and the scope of the inspection before you commit to working with them, so do your homework and make a shortlist before making the final selection.
Understand the scope of the inspection
When it comes to scope, you need to know exactly what an inspection company will be taking a look at, as well as anything that might not be assessed. A standard home inspection will typically cover factors like the home’s structure, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and the roof and ceiling, but you might need to request additional inspections for issues like mould or termites if they aren’t already included. Be aware that most inspection companies won’t inspect a swimming pool or septic system, so you might need to call in a third-party expert to have these checked out.
Attend the inspection yourself
If possible, attend the inspection in person so that you’ll have the opportunity to see any issues that are identified firsthand and ask any questions you might have about the home and the state it’s in. Use the opportunity to take notes or photos of anything you see that concerns you or that you’d like to ask for clarification on later. The information will also be useful to pass on to your partner or anyone else involved in your home-buying journey.
Review the inspection report
After the inspection is complete, the company you work with will provide you with an inspection report, which you’ll need to review thoroughly in order to make some serious decisions. If you’re lucky, everything will come back clear and looking good. However, there are a few major issues that could have been identified such as foundational cracks, outdated electrical systems, or water damage. Any of these would necessitate major repairs, and therefore might lead you to reconsider your purchase or renegotiate the price with the seller.
Plan for future maintenance
Finally, once you’ve made it through the inspection process and any issues have been addressed, you’ll need to think about how you’ll keep your new home in good shape in the years to come. Having a solid maintenance plan in place is always a good idea – so be sure to schedule your upkeep tasks and repairs so that you’re never taken by surprise and review whether any additional jobs need to be done periodically to ensure your home is always kept up to high standards.
