4 Things a Buyer Should Expect During a Home Inspection
A home inspection is a vital factor that each buyer needs to consider. The sooner you have the inspection done, the better. The contingency window in Illinois is typically only 5 business days, but may vary with your specific purchase contract. The inspection helps you make informed decisions when purchasing a home. Here are things you should expect.
Expect a Thorough Inspection by Your Home Inspector
Before you hire a home inspector, ensure it is someone with adequate experience in the field and that he/she understands the nitty-gritty of home inspection. An experienced home inspector will check each major system of the home, exterior, and interior, to determine the house’s current condition. The inspector will examine the water and drainage systems; examine electrical components, heating and cooling systems, structure and foundations; and inspect the roof, ceiling, & every part of the home.
Expect a Detailed Report from Your Home Inspector
After the home inspection, usually within 24-48 hours, you will get an inspection report with detailed information about the findings. It takes time for your inspector to review finding, photos, and generate a thorough report, and you should be wary of any inspectors who provide “on-site reporting”.
The information will include details about the systems and components which were inspected, note deficiencies which were found, implications with these deficiencies, and a general direction of what type of contractor or professional may be needed for further assessment or corrections.
Meet Your Home Inspector at the Property
To get the maximum benefit out of a home inspection, it is advised that you try to attend all or at the very least, part of your inspection. You will meet your home inspector there and ask them any questions you may have. Your attendance also allows the inspector to show your firsthand any areas of concern. After the inspection, you can review the report and discuss any concerns with the home inspector and decide on the best path forward. If for some reason you are not able to attend your inspection, rest assured, your report will be very detailed and easily navigated for a clear and concise explanation of the inspectors findings.
Share the Home Inspection Report with Your Realtor and Your Attorney
It is recommended that you share the home inspection report with your real estate agent and attorney. These professionals can help you decide whether to proceed with the deal or not, along with which inspection items are of critical importance to you.
If you choose to proceed with the agreement, you will need to determine if you wish to ask the seller to fix some or all of the issues before proceeding. If the seller cannot repair the home, you can often request a lower purchase price or credit at closing in lieu of the repairs.
The Bottom Line
A thorough home inspection is the only way to get excellent feedback about the condition of the home. Be patient and get a detailed report instead of rushing through and regretting it later.
At Bee Sure Home Inspection, we aim to provide you with a clear picture of the property you’re interested in buying. Our reports give you the tools you need to make empowered decisions. Give us a call today for reliable service in Libertyville, IL & the surrounding area.
