Many homebuyers believe they have time to conduct an inspection on their own after moving in or assume that issues will be resolved at closing time. Not doing an inspection does not mean problems don’t exist. Some of these issues will escalate over time and become more expensive to fix. Don’t delay the inevitable and put your family’s safety at risk!
Home inspections are an essential part of any home purchase. Once you have an offer on a new home, get an inspection. Not doing so could cause problems later on. For example, if a water pipe has cracked and is leaking water that is not readily seen, it can damage floors and walls and lead to mold growth if left unaddressed for too long. Get that plumbing looked at before you move in! It’s also important to know whether or not there are issues with wiring or other electrical components that may cause hazards down the road. While you may be eager to move into your new home, taking time out for an inspection will pay off down the line when you don’t have unexpected expenses from hidden defects.
Depending on what kind of a home you’re purchasing, there could be a host of things that you will want to find out about and address before buying it. For example, if it’s an older home, you may need to get a mold inspection; if you’re dealing with historic property, local officials may require you to submit for building inspections. Even in new homes, there could be problems—bugs or infestations that are difficult to spot.
Remember that these reports include photos and descriptions of every nook and cranny. You can save yourself from buying a home with hidden problems. Even if your inspector didn’t find anything dangerous during his inspection, it could be expensive. In some cases, issues might not be found until after you’ve moved in.
If problems are found, they can be prioritized based on their impact on a person’s safety and wellbeing. If certain issues need immediate attention, you will want to schedule them into your work schedule so that repairs are completed promptly. If a problem isn’t causing any problems and is purely cosmetic, it can be deferred until later.