Introduction
Home Inspections are a service every home buyer should use. Often, new home buyers are told to get a home inspection by a real estate agent, friends, or a how-to website for home buying. However, many new home buyers want to know why they should pay for this service. Can’t they just look at the house they want to buy and decide for themselves if it is a wise financial decision? While this may seem like a good idea to save some money, it could end up costing you. To help explain the importance of a home inspection, I sat down for a brief discussion with Rebecca, a prospective homeowner in the Tri-Cities. Through our conversation, I helped Rebecca understand the purpose of a home inspection.
Conversation with a Prospective Homeowner about the Purpose of an Inspection
Joshua: Hi Rebecca, thank you for meeting with me today. Just so our readers know, you are currently searching for a home in the Tri-cities, and are hesitant to pay for a home inspection, is that correct?
Rebecca: Yes, that’s right. I feel like I have a good idea of what a nice home looks like, why should I pay someone just to confirm what I already know?
Joshua: That is completely understandable. Purchasing a home is an expensive ordeal, cutting costs that you view as unnecessary, may seem like a good decision. Before you proceed with purchasing a home without an inspection, I strongly recommend that you weigh the potential cost of omitting a home inspection. While you may be able to spot a great home with minimal defects, your chances are better if you hire a certified home inspector.
Rebecca: What issues could you catch, that I couldn’t see myself?
Joshua: Well, looks can be deceiving. There may be hidden problems that you are not aware of. A home inspection will give you a clear picture of the condition of the property, including its electrical, plumbing, and structural components. It can also help you identify any safety hazards, such as mold or carbon monoxide. We inspect these systems using specialized tools that most homeowners would not find in their tool box.
Rebecca: I guess that makes more sense. So, what exactly will the home inspection cover?
Joshua: At Holston Home Inspections, we follow a comprehensive list of areas to inspect, including the roof, exterior, interior, foundation, electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems. We’ll also check for any signs of water damage, and other issues that may affect the property’s value or your safety.
Rebecca: That sounds like a lot of work. How long will the inspection take?
Joshua: It usually takes between 2-4 hours, depending on the size of the property. After leaving the property, it takes additional time for me to review my notes and photos and write the inspection report. But, the time it takes to inspect the property should not be a factor in your decision. The value of having a thorough inspection done far outweighs the time and cost involved.
Rebecca: Okay, I understand. How soon can you do the inspection?
Joshua: I can schedule the inspection for as soon as tomorrow if that works for you. And as a certified home inspector, you can trust that I will provide you with a detailed report outlining any issues found during the inspection.
Rebecca: Yes, please do. Thank you, Joshua, for helping me understand the purpose of a home inspection! I think the potential benefits of a home inspection make it worthwhile. When I find a home and have an offer accepted, I will reach out to schedule my home inspection.
Joshua: You’re welcome, Rebecca. I’m glad I could help. A home inspection is an important investment in the safety and value of your new home, and I’m here to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
Why this homebuyer decided to purchase a home inspection
A couple of weeks after our conversation, Rebecca decided to schedule a home inspection with Holston Home Inspections. We were able to find a few defects that the seller repaired prior to closing. Additionally, we helped her put together a maintenance / repair plan for minor defects and standard recurring maintenance. At Holston Home inspections, we always go the extra mile to help put our client’s mind at ease. Use the link below to schedule your home inspection, or give us a call if you have any questions at all!
