Do You Really Need a Home Inspection?

Sponsored Content from National Strategic Partner, Pillar To Post Home Inspectors

Almost inevitably, the subject of home inspection will come up during the buying process. Some buyers may see the home inspection as just one more item to check off or even forego at such a hectic time. However, a professional home inspection is the perfect opportunity to gain insight into the condition of the home – an unbiased evaluation that can provide much-needed peace of mind. This information can prove extremely useful and help avoid unpleasant surprises.

However, in many of today’s hot real estate markets the home inspection contingency is waived in order for an offer to be considered at all. In these cases, a home inspection is still extremely important because it provides a comprehensive picture of the home’s condition. One solution is to have a pre-listing inspection. Once the home is listed, the inspection report can be shared with potential buyers. A pre-listing inspection report that helps buyers avoid surprises can be a great tool for marketing homes in competitive markets.  

If the seller doesn’t wish to have a pre-listing inspection and the buyer doesn’t want an inspection contingency on their offer, the buyer may instead choose to have the home inspected after the sale in order to learn about their new home. This will provide them with valuable information they can use in planning future repairs, upgrades, or addressing other issues. 

A professional home inspection includes a visual assessment of the home’s systems and structural components, including heating/cooling, plumbing, electrical, roof, foundation, walls, chimneys, doors and windows. Appliances as well as heating/cooling and plumbing are tested to ensure proper operation. This evaluation is then included in the written inspection report, which includes detailed findings and identifies potential concerns. The report will also indicate any recommended repairs based on the inspection results. At that time, an agent may recommend that the seller complete needed repairs, or if not, that the cost of doing the repairs be reflected in the selling price.

To get the most out of a home inspection, the buyer should accompany the home inspector during the process. This allows the buyer to ask questions on site and get any needed clarification about potential issues that come up along the way. It’s a great way to get to know the home and locate important items such as key shutoff valves, the breaker panel and more. Attending the inspection will also give buyers a better understanding of any repair recommendations.

The inspection report will also serve as a reference for details about the home once the purchase is complete, giving buyers confidence and peace of mind about their new home now and into the future.

Pillar To Post Home Inspectors is always committed to the health and well-being of our clients and homeowners, as well as our inspectors. This is especially true during this time of Covid-19. We remain highly focused on providing the highest quality home inspection while adhering to the strict safety and cleanliness guidelines provided by the CDC and local governments. 

While our processes may have changed, our commitment to ensuring confident homeownership has not. Our job is not complete until you no longer have questions concerning the home you have asked Pillar To Post to inspect.