Why Home Inspections Benefit Both Buyers and Sellers

Whether you are buying or selling a home, this process is a major transaction that greatly affects both sides. Thus, it is absolutely crucial that various steps are taken in order to ensure that both parties are completely content with the entire process. One of these important steps is to provide a home inspection, more specifically a pre-sale home inspection which ultimately benefits both the buyer and the seller. A professional home inspector will examine the home with extreme detail and depth, more beneficial than the normal eye! From checking leaky roofs and loose mortars in the chimney, to clogged gutters, a professional will leave no stone unturned.

How to Find the Right Home Inspector

Finding a credible home inspector is the first step in partaking in a pre-listing inspection! Here are some tips to help you choose the right one.

Check to see if the inspector has workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Without it, a work related injury could potentially mean that you are liable. Yikes!
Check to see if the inspector has error and omission or E&O insurance. This is important because if the inspector makes a mistake that leads to extra costs in the future, you will be covered through this insurance.
Check to see if the inspector has adequate certifications from organizations such as the National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI) or American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
Check their references! Don’t be afraid to contact people who have hired this inspector in the past and ask for their experiences.

Inspection Day

Although inspections and inspectors vary in technique or process, here are a few factors that should stay consistent throughout the inspection.

Most inspections will not include tests for hazardous things such as toxic gases, lead paint, radon gas, etc. However, if the inspector suspects it, it is likely that he or she will notify you.
Every inspection should be thorough. There is no specific time for how long it should take due to many factors such as the size of your home. However, make sure the inspector checks the foundation, electrical wiring, HVAC system, the plumbing system, appliances and many more.
After the inspection is completed, you should expect to have a very detailed report about everything that was inspected and what problems there were, if there were any at all. This record is definitely important to have and reference back to in the future.

Analyzing the Report

Once you receive the report it is important to read through it and take action depending on the results.

For the seller: if you discover that your home has problems to be fixed, we recommend that you take care of them before putting your house on the market. The chances of selling a home with little to no issues will sell much easier than a home filled with various problems.

For the buyer: if you discover issues in the report you have two options! One, determine if you have the necessary funds to spend on repairs. Two, ask the seller to lower the price of the home and/or pay for major problems such as roof damage or foundation leaks.

Northern California Home Inspector

If you are looking for a reliable home inspection company that has been in the business for 29 years, contact HomeGuard! We provide various inspection services such as termite, home, and roof in addition to NHD reports. Call us today at 855-331-1900 or get a free quote here