Home inspections are crucial for home buyers. However, they can get a little confusing and overwhelming if you don't know which types of questions to ask your home inspector. We'll examine some common questions that you should ask your inspector in order to make sure nothing goes awry during this process.
What does the inspection cover? A normal inspection covers basic things like plumbing, electrical, roofing, mechanical components such as AC, and other things. You want to know if your inspector is looking at issues like bugs, radon, and rodents. Sometimes these special inspections aren't included in a standard one, so it's a good idea to ask about them specifically.
How long has your inspector been inspecting homes? You want a licensed, experienced inspector, not a new one prone to making mistakes and causing issues down the road.
How much will the inspection cost? Cost shouldn't be your main concern. You want to worry about the quality of the inspection. As a buyer, you will be expected to pay for an inspection on your own.
How long will the inspection take? In Bloomington, it's not uncommon for an inspection to take 2-3 hours.
If you need a home inspector, we have a list of preferred vendors that we would be happy to give you access to. Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns that you might have about this issue. We look forward to hearing from you!
Buyers often ask me if they should get a home inspection. The simple answer is yes. Since buying a home is usually one of the most expensive purchases you will make, a good home inspection is money well spent. A qualified home inspector can uncover defects that aren't obvious to the untrained eye. Then you can decide if you want the seller to make any repairs before closing, or if you would be willing to take on the repairs yourself. It's important to understand the extent of the repairs so you understand how they impact the value of your investment.
Another thing buyers don't always consider is a radon inspection. Radon gas is common in the Bloomington area. The radon inspection is separate from the home inspection, and usually costs under $200. Radon is a radioactive gas formed by a naturally occurring breakdown of radium, and it is hazardous to your health. Radon gas from natural sources can accumulate in homes, especially in attics and basements. Radon gas naturally fluctuates, so testing for high levels is very important. If a radon test comes back high, there are ways to reduce the levels to an acceptable reading. If you have any questions about today's video, or about real estate in general, give me a call or send me an email. I'd be happy to answer any of your questions.
