Is It Important to Hire a Building Inspector When You Want to Buy a New Home?

It is highly recommended to hire a building inspector when purchasing a new home. A building inspector is a professional who evaluates the structural, electrical, plumbing, and overall condition of the property. They help identify any potential issues, repairs, or maintenance requirements in the property, ensuring you are aware of any problems before committing to the purchase.

Building Inspector Tasks

Some of the tasks a building inspector performs include:

1. Examining the structural integrity of the building, including the foundation, walls, roof, and other components.

2. Inspecting the electrical system, including wiring, outlets, switches, and circuit breakers.

3. Checking the plumbing system, including pipes, drains, fixtures, and sewage systems.

4. Evaluating the HVAC system, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment.

5. Inspecting for any water damage, leakages, or moisture-related issues.

6. Identifying any pest infestations, such as termites or rodents.

7. Checking for proper insulation and energy efficiency.

8. Evaluating the property’s compliance with local building codes and regulations.

By hiring a building inspector, you can ensure that you are making a well-informed decision when purchasing a new home and avoid potential costly repairs or issues in the future.

What Happens If a Home Inspector Discovers a Problem?

If a home inspector discovers a problem during a home inspection, they will include the issue in their detailed inspection report provided to the client (usually the home buyer or seller). The report will explain the nature of the problem identified, its severity, potential consequences if left unaddressed, and recommendations for addressing the issue.

Upon receiving the inspection report, the home buyer and seller can then take the following steps:

1. Review the report and discuss the identified issues: Both the buyer and the seller should thoroughly review the report and understand the problems discovered during the inspection. They can also seek clarification from the home inspector if needed.

• Consider renegotiating the contract: Depending on the severity of the identified problems, the home buyer and seller may choose to renegotiate the sale contract. For example, the buyer may request the seller to repair the issues before closing or ask for a reduction in the sale price to cover the cost of repairs.

• Obtain repair estimates: The home buyer can obtain estimates from qualified professionals to get an idea of how much it will cost to fix the identified problems. This information can help in making an informed decision on whether to proceed with the sale or renegotiate the terms.

• Determine responsibility for repairs: The inspection report can help the home buyer and the seller determine who will be responsible for addressing the identified problems. This may involve either the seller making the repairs before closing, the buyer making the repairs after closing, or a combination of both.

• Amend the contract, if necessary: If both parties agree to modifications to the contract based on the inspection findings, they will sign an amendment outlining the changes.

• Proceed with the sale or back out: Based on the inspection findings, the parties can decide whether to proceed with the sale or walk away. If the buyer finds the issues too severe or costly, they may choose to back out of the sale, provided there is a home inspection contingency clause in their contract.

Ultimately, it is up to the buyer and seller to determine how they want to handle the problems discovered by the home inspector. The home inspection is intended to provide valuable information to help the parties make informed decisions about the property in question.

Be sure to ask your real estate agent for recommendations on hiring a building inspector.