How long does a home inspection actually take when buying a home?

Home inspections are often conducted during the selling process when buyers want to thoroughly review a property before investing. While most lenders do not require a home inspection, it is a good idea to make sure there are no costly problem areas or glaring warning signs, such as a broken furnace or air conditioning system.

In general, a home inspection will take about two to three hours to complete for a home inspector.However, some companies will send a pair of inspectors, allowing them to complete the job in about 90 minutes for an average home, although a number of factors can increase the time.

Learn more about home inspection times and what you can expect.

What is home page check?

Homebuyers will often hire a professional home inspector to conduct a thorough evaluation of the exterior and interior of the home to ensure they are not investing in a property with potential problems.

Home inspectors focus on examining the major components of a home, including the foundation, plumbing, electrical, and home systems, but they don’t look for cosmetic defects, like chipped or faded paint. While home inspections aren’t required in most cases, some mortgage lenders may request a home inspection if the purchase price is significantly higher than the list price or if they have other concerns about the property’s value.

Depending on what the home inspector finds during the inspection appointment, the potential buyer may be able to cancel the purchase or may need to renegotiate to discuss repairs or for the buyer and seller to come to an agreement on a different purchase price based on the inspector’s findings.

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What does a home inspector look for?

When a home inspector walks around the outside of the home and checks every room inside the home, they are checking the major components of the home.

• Check the outside typically includes the inspector checking the foundation, roof, windows, doors, gutters, garage, patio, deck, sidewalk, driveway, and irrigation system.
• Interior Check Home inspections focus on the home’s major systems, such as the furnace, water heater, and air conditioner, but the home inspector will also check the plumbing, electrical, ceilings, floors, interior walls, basement, and appliances.

How long does a home inspection take?

In most cases, a home inspection for an average-sized property will take about two to three hours to complete, although it may take longer if the home is in poor condition or if the inspector has to move any objects to access specific areas of the home. Even with a pair of inspectors, the inspection will still take about 90 minutes to complete.

Homes larger than 2,000 square feet may require longer inspection times, with each additional 500 square feet of space requiring an additional 30 minutes to inspect.

“In some cases, the inspector may also need to return for a follow-up inspection if there are any major issues that need further evaluation or repair,” says Alex Capozzolo, Broker and Co-Founder of Brotherly Love Real Estate.

Because of the possibility of re-appointments, discuss the expected time with the inspector before hiring them.

How to Choose a Home Inspector

A home inspector needs to have the skills, experience, and general understanding to identify any problem areas in a home.

“You should ask about the inspector’s qualifications, experience, and certifications,” says Capozzolo, noting that it’s best to do this before hiring them.

It is also important to make sure the inspector is familiar with local building codes and regulations and that the company has a reputation for quality work. Ask the inspector for references from previous clients and discuss the inspection process, as well as any additional services or reports that may be included in the inspection.

How much does a home inspection cost?

The prospective buyer is usually responsible for the cost of the home inspection, although they can have the real estate agent handle the booking. On average, a home inspection can cost between $200 and $500. The final price depends on several key factors, including the size of the home, the location of the property, and the depth of the inspection report.

Before hiring a home inspector, research at least three reputable home inspection companies in your area and get estimates for the job. This will help you get a general idea of ​​local costs and narrow down your choices of home inspection companies.

Preparing for a Home Inspection

Both buyers and sellers should prepare in advance for the home inspection to ensure the appointment is made as easy as possible.

• Buyer will want to carefully review the disclosure form completed by the seller and discuss the details with the home inspector. Buyers should note any specific issues they want the inspector to check and set aside about two to three hours to accompany the inspector during the inspection appointment.
• Seller It is a good idea to fill out and submit a buyer disclosure form before the inspection so that the buyer and the home inspector are aware of any existing issues. Conduct a preliminary inspection to look for any issues you may have missed, and compile a list of recent repairs for the buyer to review. The seller will need to ensure that all areas of the property are accessible, so that the home inspector can complete the inspection appointment without any problems.

When does the home inspection take place?

Home inspections can happen at any time. Homeowners who want to learn more about their home can hire an inspector to conduct a thorough investigation of the property to uncover any potential problems. However, most home inspections will happen when the home is on the market.

After the seller accepts an offer to purchase a property, but before the home sells, the buyer will be able to schedule a home inspection. Depending on the results of the home inspection, the buyer may need to renegotiate the terms of sale to ensure they are not stuck with a poor investment.

What happens after the home inspection?

Once the home inspection is complete, the inspector will compile their findings into a home inspection report. The report is then presented to the buyer about three to four days after the home inspection. Once the buyer receives the inspection report, they can review it with their real estate agent and use the details to renegotiate the terms of the purchase.

The buyer may request that the seller complete specific repairs or may decide to negotiate a lower price, taking into account the investment required to fix any outstanding issues. In some cases, the inspection report may even provide grounds for withdrawing the offer, especially if the buyer has a contingency clause in the purchase agreement that covers the full cost of repairs.

Red flag home inspection

Once a buyer receives a home inspection report, they should review it with their real estate agent to identify any problem areas such as the roof, foundation, gutters, windows, doors, electrical systems, plumbing, and appliances.

• Roof replacement Roofing is one of the most expensive repairs a new homeowner can encounter, so if the inspection report notes that the roof is poorly maintained with missing shingles and areas of standing water, the home may not be worth the investment.
• The fundamental issuesuch as large cracks, sunken areas or evidence of moisture problems should be reported to the seller to ensure repairs are completed prior to purchase.
• Windows and doors Warped, mismatched, damaged, or poorly sealed fixtures can indicate a low-efficiency home, resulting in higher energy bills. Discuss potential repairs or price negotiations to address the issue.
• Gutter system Gutters are designed to protect the sides of the home and the foundation, so if a home inspection shows that the gutter system is in poor condition, this is a clear warning sign that should be addressed with the seller.
• Harmful infectionsuch as termites, squirrels, mice or rats, should be treated by the seller before the sale is completed. However, buyers should be aware that pest problems can recur if they do not take preventative measures to prevent the pests from returning.
• Electrical problemssuch as faulty wiring or an outdated electrical panel, could indicate serious problems with the home. Buyers are advised to discuss these issues with their real estate agent before deciding whether to proceed with the purchase.
• Plumbing problems It is also a major issue due to the potential for hidden damage. A simple leak can be easily repaired, but if that pipe has been leaking behind a wall for years, there is a high chance of mold, rot, and water damage.
• Household appliances Outdated or poorly maintained appliances can be costly to repair, especially large home systems, such as furnaces, air conditioners, boilers, or water heaters. Work with the seller to renegotiate the price or request repairs or replacements before finalizing the purchase.
• Asbestos and mold Mold remediation tends to be less expensive than asbestos removal, but it is still an expensive process that buyers do not want to be responsible for after purchasing a new home.