Top 10 Reasons to Get a Home Inspection

There are a variety of reasons why getting a home inspection done by a qualified home inspector when buying a house is well worth the small price you pay. Here are the top ten reasons:

1) Peace of mind.  Home inspections will give you an understanding of the condition of the house and help you make an informed decision when deciding whether or not to buy.

2) Risk vs. Reward.  A professional home inspection will typically run you a few hundred dollars, but could save you thousands in the end. The old adage - It is better to be safe than sorry - is certainly true when it comes to purchasing a home. Better to spend the money upfront and know what you are getting into, than to cross your fingers and hope you did not just buy a lemon.

3) Mold. This hidden danger is not just a costly foe, it is one that could negatively affect the health of your entire family. Home inspections are crucial to finding out if mold exists, and if so, to what extent.

4) Pests. Insects. Pests such as termites and rats can do devastating damage to a home. The house you have had your eye on for weeks may look appealing from the street, but what is going on beneath that shiny facade? Home inspectors can tell you if you have unwelcome tenants lurking below the surface.

5) Uncovering structural issues. Structural issues can be very expensive to fix, and without the discerning eye of a qualified home inspector, you could very easily overlook them.

6) Safety. Bypassing a home inspection is not just a financial gamble, it is a choice that could have more dire consequences. If there is an existing problem with the electrical system and you do not have it taken care of prior to purchasing, your home could be a potential fire hazard.

7) Negotiating power. Your home inspector will provide you with a detailed report outlining any issues with the home. Based on this report, you can negotiate with the seller to have them resolve any underlying issues, or adjust the purchase price accordingly.

8) Whether to buy or not. Your home inspection may reveal more problems than you had initially anticipated. Armed with that knowledge, do you still want to purchase the house?

9) Gauging future costs.  Knowing what is wrong with the house before you buy will give you a good idea of any potential costs you might incur in the future.

10) Knowledge is power.   Many people, these days, are electing to own investment properties. If you are purchasing your first home, gathering information while the home inspection is being conducted will give you a good idea of what to look for when purchasing future properties.