Having your new home inspected before officially laying down the money to buy it is not just smart, it’s essential. It is through an inspection that you get a true taste of what’s going on in your new house.
It’s important to stress this. Don’t forego your right to inspect. Even if it’s a brand-new construction, you still need a skilled inspector to go through and mark out any issues that they find.
What’s more, most financial institutions won’t give you a mortgage without an inspection.
Once a thorough inspection has been made, your real estate attorney can enter into repair negotiations with the seller. This ensures that you’re getting the best possible house with no crazy surprises waiting after you move in.
There’s a lot you can do to help move the process along. There’s also a number of actions that you could take that will bring everything to a screeching halt.
Here are the do’s and don’ts of home inspection.
DO: Be Present for the Inspection
Be there when the inspection takes place. Your presence will not rattle the inspector. Frankly, they should be expecting you. It makes their job that much easier by having you as a resource to turn to with any questions.
Also, letting them know your plans for the house beforehand could be beneficial. What room is going to be used for what? Knowing this can help the inspector focus their efforts where needed.
Another good reason to be present for the inspection is to receive information bit by bit. Remember, inspectors are required to report on every issue they find, no matter how small. If you’re not there and you’re handed a huge list of defects afterward, it can be a stressful moment and you’ll start to second guess your buying decision.
But, if you’re there, you can ask questions and see what issues are minor and what are major. Compartmentalizing this information will be great for your peace of mind.
DO: Make Rounds with the Inspector
Don’t just sit in the kitchen sipping on your coffee while the inspector works their way through the house. Go through with them and get to know your new home a little better.
This is a great time to ask questions, and let the inspector show you what can be improved and what you shouldn’t be worried about.
DON’T: Distract the Inspector
If you and the inspector connect on that special friendship level, that’s awesome. Go out for lunch afterward. But during the actual inspection, it’s important to let them do their job.
Ask questions that are on point about the house, but don’t distract them with personal stories, jokes, or anything else that might pull their attention from the task at hand.
Doing so might lead to a flawed inspection.
DON’T: Expect Perfection
No house is perfect. In fact, brand new construction often has a number of problems that an inspector will find.
It’s important to manage expectations in this regard. Don’t bite the inspector’s head off because they’re finding a lot of costly issues. It’s not their fault. Don’t shoot the messenger.
Be prepared to have a long list of defects to address. It’s just the nature of the game.
Conclusion
Always know what you’re getting into when it comes to a home inspection. Have a non-threatening and non-distracting presence throughout the process. Ask questions where you can, manage your expectations, and above all else, trust in the inspector’s judgement.
Once this important component of the home buying process is complete, it’s time to contact your real estate law firm to head into repair negotiations.