Everything You Need To Know About Home Inspections

There are many ways buying a home can be a major pain in the behind. Even with modern technology and the newest methods of construction, damage is sometimes unavoidable. This is why buyers need to be aware of any problems that a property may have beneath the surface. 

The only way to ensure you’re paying a fair price and avoid hefty repairs in the future is to schedule a home inspection.

That isn’t to say that sellers can’t benefit from it. In fact, completing a home inspection that shows all aspects of the property are in good condition can help them address any issues and increase the market value of the home they’re selling. 

Continue reading to learn how long does home inspection take on average and what you can expect during the process.

How long Does Home Inspection Take?

Buyers and sellers usually like to be there while a home is being inspected. After all, it’s a great opportunity to ask the inspectors some questions about what they’re doing. As such, we frequently get questions about how long does home inspection take.

The answer is not as clear-cut as everyone assumes.

While the average number is typically between three to four hours, some inspections may take longer or shorter. For larger properties, the inspections may take a full day.

Here are some things that will directly affect how long does home inspection take

• Size of the home

This one is pretty straightforward. While a condo may take an hour, a larger house can take upwards of six hours. 

• Age of the home

Just like older individuals have more health issues, so do older homes. Inspectors will take longer to check an old property. 

• Type of the inspection

Other inspections can be completed at the same time as the general inspection.As you can tell, this will significantly increase the time. 

For instance, you may have a wind mitigation, a four-point, or even a pool/spa inspection completed at the same time, which can add a few hours on top of the regular inspection.

• Clutter in the home

Many homes hit the market while there are still people occupying them. This can slow down the examination as the inspectors will have to navigate around furniture or any other possessions. 

Who Can Attend a Home Inspection?

Both the buyer and the seller can be present at the inspection. While a seller already knows their property, they will most likely attend the inspection to quickly learn if any issues may hinder the deal. Since they are on their own property, they can bring anyone along if they feel like it.

On the other hand, the buyer normally arranges the home inspection through their real estate agent, with a clear intent to attend it. Besides them, the real estate agent may be present, as well as any close family members or friends.

Pro tip: if a real estate agent is discouraging you from attending the inspection by saying it’s too bothersome or unnecessary, they might not be working in your best interest.

Can You Fail a Home Inspection?

In short, no. 

Just like you can’t fail a physical exam because you’re a smoker, you can’t fail a home inspection. The entire process is simply a comprehensive checkup that determines the shape of the property and provides homeowners and buyers with insight into any potential repairs. 

It’s merely a way to protect your future investment, and on the seller’s side, it’s a way to learn how to improve their home to increase the chances of attracting more buyers.

Let’s say you come across a beautiful condo with a perfect view and your dream layout. But unfortunately, after an inspection, you learn that the plumbing in the condo is atrocious and fixing the issue will take a few thousand dollars. 

Is the condo worth it now? If the answer is yes, you’ve got a great bargaining chip to get the seller to drop the price to offset the cost of repairs.

On the other hand, the seller can use this information to fix the issue before showing their property to new buyers. They can then use this repair as a way to raise their asking price.

How Does a Home Inspection Impact Negotiations?

Even though a home may seem flawless, it may come up with a lot of faults once the inspection is over. For sellers, this means accepting the problems and being open to fixing them. 

Buyers, on the other hand, may use these flaws to receive a better rate. Depending on the defects, a potential buyer may still want the property, especially if they don’t require serious repair. So, it’s on the seller to adjust their asking price.

The question here is who should make the repairs?

Well, if you really clicked with the home and/or its owner, you should take charge of the repairs (if they are willing to adjust the price).That way, you can ensure   the repairs meet your standards.. 

What Does a Home Inspector’s Report Include?

Along with the question of how long does home inspection take, you should also ask how long it takes for the inspector to deliver you the final report. 

Depending on the factors we discussed above, you may receive the report within 24 or 48 hours of the inspection. 

This document is quite extensive and it will inform you of the strengths and weaknesses of the property. Reputable inspectors will also be diligent about this information and  include photographs to supplement the written report. 

If you’re a buyer, never skim over this report or let your agent give you a recap. Any information you learn can have a major impact on how you should proceed with the purchase in the future. This is why we recommend calling the inspectors if you have any questions or need any clarification.

Contact Guardian Angel Inspections To Schedule A Home Inspection

Regardless of whether you are a buyer or a home seller, a home inspection is nothing to fear. On the contrary -  it helps you get more value for your money and learn just how dependable the home you plan to purchase will be for years to come.

To get a first-rate service from experienced inspectors at a competitive price, get in touch with Guardian Angel Inspections. 

Call us today at 561-512-7854 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment, and learn everything there is to know about a property you’re eyeing or selling.