How to Get a Better Home Inspection

Posted by Eagle Inspections on November 19th, 2020

A quality home inspection is worth every penny. Purchasing a home is a big investment; the peace of mind an inspection buys is well worth the extra effort. Here are a few tips to help you get better home inspections in Philadelphia, PA:

Choose an Inspector You Trust

You want an impartial inspector to represent you and your interests. Your realtor may have one to recommend, or you might search for your own using recommendations of friends and family. Make sure your choice is licensed and certified in your state.

Be There

You should plan to attend the home inspection. Be prepared to ask questions and don’t be shy about mentioning things you’d like to get special attention.

Take Pictures

Take photos of any issues your inspector finds. And, if your inspector goes places you don’t, such as attics or crawl spaces, ask for pictures of those areas as well.

Do Your Own Tests

Turn on all the appliances. Run the faucets. Operate all the switches and outlets. Test how long it takes to get hot water to the master shower. Look for damages to walls, floors, and ceilings. You don’t need an expert to find many issues with a home.

Ask for Paperwork

Ask the homeowner to provide paperwork about renovations, remodels, and any major repairs as well as receipts and warranty information for major appliances. You’ll appreciate having this info down the road, plus your inspector can verify that any permitting needs were met and that changes were made to code.

Remember: An Inspection is Not Pass/Fail

It’s not a pass/fail system. The inspector’s job is to identify any significant defects in the home or property with a focus on safety as well as major issues. An inspector cannot and will not uncover every problem, but they should be able to provide deeper insight into the overall condition of the house. Ultimately, it’s up to you, the buyer, to determine if the issues are significant enough to affect the transaction. You can choose to negotiate repairs with the seller or simply walk away.

Confidence in Your Purchase

Once you get the home inspector’s report, use the information to sweeten the deal or move on to another property, but don’t skip the inspection and get stuck with a house that has problems behind every corner. Getting a thorough home inspection from a reputable and experienced inspector will help you buy with confidence.