What is a Home Inspection and What Are the Different Types?

Home Inspection

Things to know about Home Inspection

The most important thing a home buyers needs to do before they start getting too excited about a new house is having the listed property inspected by a certified company. Home inspection is very necessary before selling or buying a house. In most cases, the bigger the property the more inspections are required. But inspectors aren’t just busy when someone’s buying or selling a home. There are many different types of inspections warranted by various occasions.

In this article, we are going to cover home inspections, what the different types of inspections are and when are these inspections actually required.

What Does a Home Inspection Entail?

Depending on the type of inspection done and the purpose it’s done for, an inspection could focus on a number of issues. In most cases, inspectors check the structural elements such as flooring, walls, and ceiling, as well as areas in need of special care like the attic or the basement. Inspectors can also check lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, stove, the washing machine, automated garbage disposals, dryers and other appliances included in the purchase.

Speaking of electrical appliances, inspectors also check the electrical network around the home to see if the grounding is good, and to determine what state the electrical panels and circuit breakers are. Finally, inspectors will check whether the smoke detectors are operational and follow state regulations.

Plumbing is also one of the items on their checklist. They will inspect your toilets, the water heater, pipes, shutoff valves, tubs, and showers, as well as other points that might be hiding a leak.

Unlike appraisals, home inspections aren’t required before listing a home. Still, many homeowners looking to sell hire an inspector so they can uncover any unpleasant surprises that might give the buyer a chance to bargain.

What are the Different Types of Inspections?

Anyone who’s ever sold a home can tell you that they can be very stressful, and can often make or break your selling efforts. However, buying and selling a home are not the only reasons to have your home inspected. In fact, there are various types of inspections. We’ll mention the most common ones.

Inspection before Selling a Home

Many sellers opt in for a home inspection before listing their property on the market. Having a piece of paper assuring the buyers there are no issues with the property they are eyeing can make them feel more confident and persuade them to make the purchase. Sellers can also benefit, as detecting issues early can help them solve before listing. In other case, buyers may try to negotiate a lower price and fix the issues in return.

Inspection before Buying a Home

Even if the home’s already been inspected, buyers may still enlist a home inspector to get an unbiased opinion. It might also be required for insurance and mortgage approval.

Pre-delivery Inspections

If buying a home from a contractor, the property needs to be inspected to determine whether it’s suitable for living and that all the building codes have been followed, based on the state and the local codes in the area.

Eleven Month Inspection

After the pre-delivery inspection, the company must arrange for another inspection after a year following the completion of a construction project to make sure there aren’t any issues that the first inspection did not initially reveal.

Foreclosure Inspection

If a homeowner defaults on the mortgage, the bank has to perform an inspection to find out the value of the home before foreclosure.

Disaster Inspection

In case of a natural disaster, insurance company representatives usually hire a home inspector to assess the damage the disaster caused in a home. Insurance companies do this in order to determine the payouts and relief on the insurance plans.

Four Point Inspection

Insurance companies often require this brief inspection that involves the roof, electrical, plumbing and the HVAC for a home that is less than twenty-five years old.

Section 8 Inspection

These types of inspections are done to ensure people with low-incomes are living in inhabitable properties. It is primarily meant to protect low-income citizens from abusive landlords and to make sure they are safe.

Structural Inspection

In case of a natural disaster, a fire or due to visible signs of deterioration, a home needs to be inspected to ensure its stability.

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