What Happens During the Home Inspection Process?
© 2009, Brandon Cornett. All rights reserved.
Reader Question: We are buying a house that’s about 20 years old, and we were told we need to get a home inspection before we close on it. We are first-time buyers with no experience in this area. What happens during the home inspection, and do we really need one?
Congratulations on buying your first place! I hope it all works out for you. Let me start with the second part of your question, since it’s the easiest part to answer. Then I’ll explain what happens during the process.
Do I Really Need an Inspection?
Yes, you should definitely have the home inspected. You should always get an inspection, regardless of how old the house is. But with an older property like the one you’re buying, the home inspection is even more important. The last time I checked, the going rate for a professional inspection was somewhere between $350 and $550. That’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind you get out of it.
What Happens During the Process
So we’ve covered the second part of your question. Yes, you need to get an inspection. Now let’s talk about what happens when the inspector visits the property. A professional home inspector is trained to evaluate the structure and all of the installed systems within a house. This includes (but is not limited to) the following:
- The condition of the roof
- The home’s foundation
- The overall structural integrity
- Electrical systems, breakers, etc.
- Plumbing systems, sinks, toilets, etc.
- Ventilation, heating and cooling, etc.
It’s important to note that an inspector cannot and will not tell you if you’re getting a good deal on the house. They must remain neutral in this regard. It’s up to your real estate agent to tell you this — not the home inspector. The inspection process is designed to give you a clear picture of what you’re buying, in terms of the home’s condition.
A complete inspection will generally take two to three hours, and you should be present for it. If the inspector lets you follow him around during the inspection, take that opportunity! You’ll learn a lot about your future house that way.
So that’s what happens during the home inspection process. If you need to find a licensed inspector in your area, I recommend starting with one of the professional organizations within this industry. Here the two big ones to get you started:
I hope this answers your question, and I wish you all the best in your home-buying process. If you have other questions about the steps to buying a house, feel free to send them to me like you did this one. Good luck with your home inspection and your purchase!
Related article: Are Termite Inspections Really Necessary?