The Home Inspection process can be a stressful time for any home buyer. My goal is to make this time stress free and smooth as possible for you and your real estate agent. I am writing this piece to prep you as the buyer for your home inspection.
Let’s assume that you have finally found “The One” and your offer has been accepted. Your next step is to find an inspector and get your inspection scheduled.
- Scheduling the Inspection. Your agent should be there so communicate with them and your inspector to make sure you pick a day and time that works for everyone (you most of all). Your agent has done many of these, and having them with you is a great resource. They will help you along the way if anything comes up. Couples should BOTH be there, it makes things much easier and keeps everyone on the same page. You normally have 7-14 days to do your inspections, this is called your “due diligence period”.
- Do you want to test the water? If you have a well you MOST DEFINITELY want a water test. If you have an FHA or VA loan and your home has a well, you may be required to get a test. It is best to know what condition your water is in before you start drinking it. “Buy a filter or be a filter…” I hear that saying a lot. There are many different contaminants that can get in your water. Here’s more info about Water Quality and contaminants.
- Radon air testing? The EPA requires a 48 hour minimum test because radon levels can fluctuate from hour to hour. Things like temperature and humidity can affect the levels. Knox Home Inspections uses specialized equipment to get your results immediately after the required 48 hours. Our equipment will give you the most accurate reading possible with over 200 data points. Other inspectors may use a lab which can take 2-3 days longer. Let us know and we can set the test ahead of time saving you and your agent valuable time. More info about Radon Air right here.
- Septic Evaluation? It is a CRAPPY job, literally. We leave that to the septic evaluation companies that are licensed specifically for that. If you want a septic evaluation we can coordinate with a few qualified companies to get it done at the same time as your inspection. They will provide you a separate report that will show you more than you probably want to know about what goes down the toilet.
- Inspection Day. Your inspection will take 2-3 hours depending on the size and condition of the home. Make sure you block off enough time to be present the whole time. You will be glad that you did. You are about to learn A LOT about your new home.
- Bring a Tape Measure. Bring your camera too. The inspection is a great time to take your own pictures of the rooms and to measure for things like fridges, couches, beds, dressers, etc. Your inspection report will have a bunch of pictures, but not the kind that will help you plan out your new home office layout.
- Dress For Success. Wear something comfortable and that you don’t mind getting dirty. Sneakers or boots are good. Dress warm or bring an extra layer. The weather doesn’t always cooperate and sometimes the houses can be cold if they nobody is living there.
The next 2 blogs will focus on the DURING and AFTER parts of the inspection process so look out for those very soon. Thank you for reading and feel free to comment. I love feedback and will edit this blog if anything good comes up. For updates and more information connect with us on Facebook right here!