Are You Buying a home?
The process can be stressful. A home inspection is supposed to give you peace of mind but, depending on the findings, it may have the opposite effect. You will be asked to absorb a lot of information over a short period of time. Your inspection will entail a written report, including checklists and photos, and what the inspector tells you during the inspection. All of this combined with the seller’s disclosure and what you notice yourself can make the experience overwhelming. What should you do?
You Should Relax!
Home inspectors are professionals, and at Peach State Home Inspections, our inspectors are members of InterNACHI, meaning that they are among the most highly trained inspectors in the industry. Most of your inspection will be recommendations about maintenance and minor imperfections that are important to know about.
The issues that matter will fall into four major categories, as follows:
- Structural problems and other major defects.
- Things like roof or foundation leaks that can lead to major defects.
- Issues that may hinder your ability to finance, legally occupy, or insure the home if not rectified immediately; and
- Safety hazards like an exposed, live buss bar at the electrical panel.
Anything in these categories should be addressed as soon as possible. Often, a serious problem can be corrected inexpensively to protect both life and property (especially in categories 2 and 4).
For the most part, sellers are honest and often are surprised when an inspection uncovers defects. It’s important to realize that a seller is under no obligation to repair everything mentioned in your inspection report. No house is perfect. Keep things in perspective.
And remember that homeownership is both a joyful experience and an important responsibility, so be sure to call on your Peach State InterNACHI Certified Professional Inspector® to help you devise an annual maintenance plan that will keep your family safe and your home in top condition for years to come!