Should I Skip the Home Inspection?
Homes are being sold "as-is" with no contingencies, and buyers are asking if they should risk skipping the home inspection. The short answer is no. Before you decide, consider the following on the largest purchase of your life.
What Can't Be Seen Has the Highest Price Tag
The major structural components are the foundation, framing, and roof. If the buyer skips the home inspection, they won't have the opportunity to investigate hidden areas. Hire a home inspector that will enter and explore the crawl space and attic. These areas are the most expensive to repair when structural damage is present. A home inspector will confirm that the structure is in good condition.
Putting a Value on Safety
An older home does not have the same safety standards as a modern one. It took decades of trial and error to design a safe home for all ages. Today's standards require GFCI protected receptacles in specific areas. There are new requirements for placing carbon monoxide detectors. The front cover of the electrical panel has the potential to hide fire hazards. These are only a few examples of hundreds. When hiring a home inspector, they genuinely want to assess the home to ensure the buyer's family is safe in their new environment.
Buyers Overlook the Final Report as a Beneficial Product
The inspector brings defects to the buyer’s attention on-site. Use this time to ask questions. What comes after the home inspection? A personalized report is built with the defects broken down into categories. It will surprise the buyer that the report is a helpful resource for quickly locating repairs and safety upgrades. They will know the manufacture date of the air conditioner, furnace, water heater, and estimated roof age. Ideally, a category is dedicated to deferred cost items to budget for the repair and replacement due to age. After moving in, the final report proves to be a valuable reference point.
Conclusion Statement
A few hundred dollars is a small price to pay when considering the risks of purchasing a home. The purpose of the inspection is to educate the buyer on the current state of the property so there are no surprises later. When you hire a home inspector, it goes beyond the inspection appointment. They become a contact that you can call anytime with questions.