Top 5 Biggest Home Inspection Mistakes to Avoid at All Costs

Often, home inspections are considered one of the important steps in the home-buying process. But they’re not only for the homebuyers. In fact, home sellers can equally benefit from these inspections when they’re enlisting their property on the market. The inspection surely helps home buyers to make informed decisions, negotiate better terms, or reconsider their purchase to avoid unforeseen expenses. Likewise, the home inspection helps sellers identify and address problems beforehand, enhancing the property’s marketability and speeding up the sales process. For both home buyers and sellers, these inspections help ensure transparency, build trust, and contribute to a smoother and more confident real estate transaction.

The importance of home inspections cannot be overstated, but when the sellers and buyers are scheduling inspections, they need to be aware of different mistakes that they should avoid. In this blog, we will discuss the 5 biggest home inspection mistakes almost every home buyer and seller makes.

Not Researching the Inspector

Most of the time, many buyers and sellers think that hiring a home inspector is the only important step for the inspection. What they don’t realize is that an inspection can only come out to be reliable and accurate if the inspector is qualified, certified, and experienced. For this, the buyers and sellers can research the inspector first before hiring them. They can look at the reviews online, ask their acquaintances if they know about any reliable inspectors, and, most importantly, they can ask a few questions from the inspector, such as:

•         For how many years have you been inspecting homes?
•         Till now, how many inspections have you conducted?
•         Do you have any certifications, qualifications, and training?
•         Can you show me some sample inspection reports?

One should hire a certified professional who is updated on the current trends, standards, codes, and regulations of the industry. These all keep changing, so if you don’t hire a certified and updated professional, then it might lead to significant issues in the future. Also, it is better that the inspector you’re hiring is ASHI or InterNACHI certified.

Not Attending the Inspection

It is not mandatory to be present at the time of inspection, but doing so is a smart move. Most of the time, you might not be able to comprehend the inspection report on your own. And even if you do, it might not be enough to comprehend the extent of damage and issues that the inspector identified. It is fair to say that if you don’t see the issues yourself, you don’t understand their extent.

Yes, the inspection might take long and this is often the reason home buyers and sellers state why they can’t attend the inspection. But it’s better to get the inspection done when you have a free schedule and can attend the inspection. By attending the inspection and following the inspector around, you can ask them the questions you might have about the issues, repairs and upgrades that need to be done.  

Not Reading the Inspection Report

Usually, the buyers and sellers don’t thoroughly read the inspection report. The inspection report is an important document that contains detailed findings on different areas of homes, including:

•         Structural integrity
•         Electrical systems
•         Plumbing
•         Potential safety hazards

The report is not just limited to these. It contains much more and especially the recommendations for making repairs and maintenance. These can help in ensuring the home’s long-term health and safety. Ignoring the inspection report can lead to unexpected issues and costly repairs. By not reviewing the inspection report thoroughly, you miss the opportunity to address concerns proactively and make informed decisions, ultimately risking the property’s value.

Not Getting a Presale Inspection

This one is a mistake specifically made by the sellers. Many of the sellers think that since the buyer is conducting the presale inspection, they don’t need to. But that’s a mistake. When the buyers are smart enough, they get the inspection conducted. And when this happens, the sellers don’t get much time to make repairs and close the deal. With the presale inspection, the seller gets more time to repair the issues, manage their budget, and have control over the spending for the fixes.

Not Prepping the Home

Whether it’s the buyer who has scheduled the inspector or the seller, it’s important to get the home prepared for the inspection. After all, it’s not the inspector’s job to empty the closet first before they’re to inspect the attic. If the house has a crawlspace, then the top of it should be empty; make sure nothing is sitting on top of it. Also, whatever areas of the home are locked they must be unlocked to give the home inspector access to the area.

Conclusion

To get the best inspection experience, you need to avoid these 5 biggest home inspection mistakes and ensure a smooth and successful real estate transaction. Thoroughly researching the inspector guarantees a reliable and professional assessment, while attending the inspection allows for real-time insights and clarifications. Reading the inspection report is essential for understanding the property’s condition and addressing any issues promptly. For sellers, getting a presale inspection can preemptively tackle potential problems, making the property more appealing to buyers. Lastly, prepping the home for inspection ensures that the process is thorough and efficient. By steering clear of these common mistakes, you can foster a transparent, informed, and confident real estate experience.

Ensure your home buying or selling process is smooth and secure with a comprehensive inspection from Total House Inspection. Our expert inspectors provide detailed reports and professional insights, helping you make informed decisions with confidence. Schedule your inspection today and take the first step toward peace of mind. Contact Total House Inspection now to book your appointment!