Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will ever make. When you’re looking at homes in Royal Oak, MI, it’s crucial to have a professional home inspection before signing on the dotted line. Here’s why:
A Home Inspection Protects Your Investment
As a buyer, you want to know exactly what condition the home is in before you commit to buying it. A professional Home Inspector Royal Oak MI will thoroughly examine the property and identify any issues that may be present. This gives you the opportunity to ask the sellers to fix problems before closing, or adjust your offer price accordingly.
Without an inspection, you could end up with expensive surprises down the road. Things like an old roof, faulty electrical system, or structural problems could cost you thousands of dollars to repair. A professional inspection allows you to make an informed decision and not overpay for a home with underlying issues.
An Inspector Identifies Safety Hazards
Part of a home inspector’s job is checking for safety hazards that could put your family at risk. This includes things like:
- Faulty or outdated electrical wiring that could cause a fire
- Gas leaks from furnaces/appliances
- Excess moisture and mold issues
- Carbon monoxide and radon gas leaks
- Asbestos materials
- Lead paint
- Damaged roofing and siding that could fall during a storm
A good Home Inspector Royal Oak MI will use specialized tools and testing equipment to identify these types of hazards. You’ll get a detailed report explaining the issues so you can properly address them. Ensuring your home is safe to live in is a top priority.
You’ll Understand the Home’s Major Systems
When you own a home, you’ll be responsible for maintenance and repairs of the major systems like plumbing, electrical, HVAC, appliances, roof, etc. A professional inspection will help you understand the condition of these systems.
The report will note the approximate age and remaining useful life of items like the water heater, furnace, air conditioner, roof, siding, and more. You’ll know which systems are newer versus those nearing the end of their lifespan. This allows you to budget accordingly for future repairs or replacements.
Knowing the condition of the home’s systems also helps you make educated decisions. If the HVAC unit is original to a 30 year old home, you may want the sellers to replace it or give a credit. Or you may ask for a price reduction to cover the cost of a new system yourself.
Minor Flaws Can Be Identified Too
In addition to major issues, a good home inspector will note even minor flaws like:
- Loose door knobs and drawer pulls
- Sticky windows
- Worn out caulking/grout
- Missing roof shingles
- Small leaks
- Cracked tiles
These smaller issues may not make or break the deal. But identifying them upfront allows you to get cost estimates and factor the repairs into negotiations. It also helps you budget for fixing these things after moving in.
Knowing about minor flaws also gives you peace of mind that the inspection was very detailed. You can trust that you’ll be aware of every defect, big and small.
An Inspector Knows What to Look For
As a buyer, it’s nearly impossible to thoroughly inspect a property yourself unless you have experience in construction and home systems. A professional home inspector has extensive knowledge in:
- Structural components (foundation, framing, ventilation, etc.)
- Electrical and plumbing systems
- Heating and cooling systems
- Insulation and ventilation
- Doors, windows and roofing
- Septic tanks, wells, and drainage
- And much more!
They also use specialized tools and testing methods that a typical homebuyer wouldn’t have access to. This includes things like moisture meters, outlet testers, thermal imaging cameras, and more. Don’t rely on your own limited inspection skills – work with a pro!
Inspectors Follow Industry Standards
Reputable home inspectors follow standards and codes set by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Their inspections adhere to a comprehensive checklist to ensure every aspect of the home is examined. ASHI inspectors also follow a code of ethics to provide objective assessments, without bias or conflict of interest.
Working with a certified ASHI inspector gives you confidence in the accuracy and thoroughness of the inspection report. They are experienced professionals who take their job very seriously.
Get an Unbiased Third Party Perspective
Home buyers sometimes worry that home inspectors could be biased, especially if they have a relationship with the real estate agent or seller. However, reputable Home Inspectors Royal Oak MI are objective third parties without stake in the transaction. Their job is to work in your best interest.
A seller’s disclosure could also downplay or fail to mention issues they don’t want to deal with. Your own walkthroughs are helpful, but an inspector will take a much deeper look. Rely on their unbiased perspective when evaluating the property’s condition.
The Seller May Make Repairs
Once defects are identified in the inspection report, the sellers may agree to make some repairs before closing. Or they may offer a credit so you can make the repairs yourself. Either way, you could get thousands of dollars worth of improvements for free.
Even if sellers only fix minor flaws, every little bit helps. You may also be able to negotiate a lower purchase price to help offset major issues. A home inspection gives you this kind of leverage in negotiations.
Peace of Mind Going Forward
Ultimately, a home inspection gives you peace of mind about the property you’re purchasing. You’ll know what shape the home is actually in, and what to budget for over the coming years. There will be no big surprises down the road.
You’ll also have confidence in the home’s safety for your family. And you can rest assured knowing a professional examined the property far more closely than a typical buyer ever could. Your investment will be protected for years to come.
Choosing the Right Home Inspector
Now you know why a home inspection is so valuable before purchasing a property. But where do you find a trustworthy, qualified Home Inspector Royal Oak MI? Here are a few tips:
Look for ASHI Certification
Start your search by looking for inspectors accredited by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Their certification requirements ensure inspectors are experienced and follow industry standards. ASHI members also adhere to a code of ethics when conducting inspections.
Read Reviews
Reviews from past clients are very telling. Look for an inspector who has overwhelmingly positive reviews. This shows they provide thorough inspections and clearly communicate findings to clients. Watch for red flags like rushed inspections or poor communication.
Compare Their Checklists
Most home inspectors provide a sample checklist on their website so you can see what’s included. The most comprehensive checklists are best. Make sure the inspector evaluates all the home’s major systems and components from top to bottom.
Ask About Their Process
A thorough inspector will spend 2-3 hours or more inspecting all areas of the home. They should use specialized tools and testing methods. Be sure to ask about their process so you understand what to expect. Also ask what type of report they provide once complete.
Consider Their Experience
Look for an inspector with several years of experience, and who has inspected at least 300 homes. They should also have experience with homes in Royal Oak and surrounding areas. An inspector who is familiar with local building codes is very valuable.
Verify Licensing
In most states, home inspectors must be licensed to operate legally. Contact your state licensing authority to verify an inspector’s license is active and in good standing. This is a quick way to weed out unqualified candidates.
Schedule Your Inspection ASAP!
Once you have an offer accepted on a Royal Oak home, schedule your inspection right away. Be sure to leave at least 10 business days before closing so you have time to review the report and negotiate any repairs. Avoid waiving the inspection contingency, as tempting as it may be in competitive markets.
A professional Home Inspector Royal Oak MI will give you the peace of mind and information you need to make a smart investment. Don’t skip this crucial step when buying a home!