Everything You Need To Know About Home Inspections Checklist

If you’re in the process of buying a home, you’re likely aware that it comes with an almost never-ending list of expenses. This is why many “homeowners-to-be'' are put off by the prospect of commissioning a home inspection. 

Yet, there are good reasons why every real estate professional worth their salt recommends this inspection before making a purchase - it provides you with an objective view of the property’s condition. Having such information before pulling the trigger on a home is invaluable and it can help you save a substantial amount of money in the future. 

Today, we’ll take a closer look at home inspections and provide you with everything you need to know about them - from the areas they cover to how much do home inspections cost.

Why You May Need A Home Inspection

Although home inspections aren’t required, they might as well be considering how much value they add. For starters, they will help avoid snapping up a property with hidden damage or expensive structural flaws - things that are very easy to overlook for those without expertise in construction.

The logical question at this point is - how is this legal? After all, sellers are held responsible in the eyes of the law for disclosing any fundamental flaws with their property. While this may be true, sellers are often ignorant themselves about hidden damage, especially if they’re not inhabitants of the property. 

Ultimately, this means a home could look perfect on the surface and hide structural issues or water damage which may take tens of thousands of dollars to address - and you’ll be required to pick up the bill. 

By having an experienced professional assess the condition of the property, you can renegotiate the price with the seller to account for the price of repairs. Alternatively, the damage may be so extensive that you have no other choice but to walk away. Whatever the outcome, with a home inspection, you have the leverage necessary to make the best real estate decision possible. 

How Much Do Home Inspections Cost?

Most home buyers are trying to keep expenses down to a minimum, which is why a common question we get is how much do home inspections cost. Well, there’s no easy answer to this as there are numerous factors that play into the price of the inspection.

On average, expect to shell out between $250 and $500 in Florida.Take these numbers with a grain of salt because the size of the home plays a part in the final cost. For instance, a condo inspection may cost as little as $200 while inspecting a large home may cost upwards of $1000. 

Another complicating factor to the question of how much do home inspection cost is the age of the building. Older homes may require more attention in regard to electrical or plumbing systems, as well as any other elements that have braved the test of time. Consequently, the price of the inspection may increase. 

Similarly, if the home is situated in a remote location, the inspection may cost a tad more than for a property located 10 miles from the center of the city where the inspector is operating. 

What’s Included In A Home Inspection Checklist?

A home inspection is a visual examination of the key structures and systems If any appliances are included in the sale, the inspector will check those too. 

In short, a full report must include the assessment of the following:

• HVAC system
• Plumbing
• Electrical system
• Roof
• Attic
• Basement and structural foundation
• Insulation
• Ceilings
• Walls
• Floors
• Openings (doors and windows)

Additionally, inspectors will take extra care to evaluate the interior regarding water damage. Florida is prone to mold and even a small amount of water inside the home could lead to an uninhabitable place of residence. This is particularly important because signs of water damage aren’t always apparent and may take years to become obvious. The report will also include proof of previous leaks. 

How Long Do Inspections Take?

Similar to how much do home inspections cost, the time required to conduct a checkup will vary depending on the size of the home. On average though, a mid-size home will take between three and four hours to complete. 

If the sale is time-critical, no need to worry. You can schedule an appointment as soon as you sign a sale agreement and you’ll receive the full report long before the termination period expires. 

Upon completion of the inspection, it will take between 24 and 48 to assemble a full report that contains the assessment of the property’s state of affairs, along with photos of any problems the inspector has found. 

How To Choose A Home Inspector?

As with anything else, you should do your research before choosing a company you trust with the inspection. Inquire about options with your agent, conduct a Google search, and look at online reviews. It’s also a good idea to contact a few inspectors in order to receive quotes, which you can then use to compare individual prices.

When you do find someone you like, ask them about their certification with the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI). Maintaining this license takes work and is proof you’re hiring an inspector with the knowledge to do a stellar job. Furthermore, look at how long they’ve been in the industry and inquire about how many examinations they have conducted. 

Choose Experience - Go With Certified Inspectors

It’s easy to waive off home inspections as an unnecessary cost, more so when the owner of the property seems forthcoming. Some even find them pointless if the home is being sold on a take-it-or-leave-it principle, which means the owner isn't open to making any repairs.

However, purchasing real estate always comes with a great deal of risk - that’s just the way it is. Because of this, you need to gather as many details as possible to avoid making a bad investment. An inspection is simply a cornerstone of making an informed purchase, and as such, you should never surrender the right to conduct an objective assessment. 

If you don’t know who to hire in Palm Beach, Miami-Dade, and Broward counties, Hernando, Citrus, Sumter & Pasco County we’ll save you some trouble - your go-to choice should be Certified Inspectors. We have close to three decades of experience in real estate construction and planning, multiple InterNACHI certifications, and a Certified Master Inspectors (CMIs)® certification.

Fill out our form to receive a quote and start making smart choices without busting the bank.