Common Mistakes People Make When Getting A Home Inspection

No matter how much knowledge you have about homes, architecture or the different systems used within a house, it’s always advisable to have a home inspection carried out before completing the purchase of a house. As trained professionals, a home inspector will perform inspections on systems and components of a home and submit a report of their findings.

While selecting an inspector, it’s vital to have one that’s not just experienced but has the necessary qualifications. To ensure that a home inspector can carry out a thorough inspection, it’s essential to have the existing homeowner aware of the inspector’s requirements. Often, home buyers don’t do these two essentials which result in an under-qualified and less than thorough inspection.

A home inspection is usually the final hurdle before you purchase a home, so it’s best that you ensure it's done right. To help you steer clear of making any costly errors, here’s a list of the most common mistakes people make when getting a home inspection.

1. Not providing access to the entire house. Many home sellers don’t go into their attics or crawlspaces and will often block access to these areas. Providing easy access helps the inspection move faster and prevents the inspector from making a mess. Certain areas of the building could be omitted altogether when proper access is not available. If this has not been done, ask the homeowner for permission.

2. Turning off the water. When a house is unoccupied, the homeowner will often turn off the water for insurance purposes. This prevents the inspector from testing a major component of the building, the plumbing. Try to arrange to have the water turned on so the inspector can properly inspect the plumbing system.

3. Conducting a home inspection without a W.E.T.T. Inspection. Insurance companies often want a separate inspection of any wood-burning appliance to ensure proper combustible clearances. Make sure your Inspector is W.E.T.T. (Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc.) Certified if you're buying a house that burns wood for heat. Otherwise, you would have to get a separate inspector to handle this which would be an additional cost.

4. Not choosing your own home inspector. Often realtors will suggest or even choose a home inspector for you. In some cases, home inspections are being skipped to speed up the deal. Do your research and find the best home inspector who suits your needs and will be meticulous and provide you with a detailed inspection report.

5. Rushing into closing a deal. In today’s home market houses sell quickly. Sometimes clients book last minute inspections and need to make a choice about the purchase the same night. Don’t make that mistake. Give yourself time to thoroughly review the home inspection report, get quotes for repairs, and make an informed decision.

If you’re in the process of buying a home and are considering a home inspection, avoid these and other mistakes by reaching out to Shawn Culley at Advanced Home Inspections. Clear and informative inspection reports, Shawn works with clients across Vancouver island.