MY BIASED OPINION
Of course, I must start this article by stating my ultra-biased opinion… One of the biggest home inspection mistakes a buyer can make is skipping the inspection. I could give a bunch of reasons, but there’s one BIG one to consider when buying a home. You must realize that everyone else involved in your transaction needs you to close the deal before they receive a paycheck. Anyone suggesting to skip the home inspection may not want you to discover defects, or is concerned about delays or cancellation of the contract due to conditions that may be included in the inspection report.
If you’re feeling pressured to skip a home inspection, it could be time to take a short pause. I suggest taking a moment to consider the risks involved before proceeding. No one else involved in your transaction will help with repair costs of defects you discover after you’ve moved in.
UNBIASED, LEGIT HOME INSPECTION MISTAKES
Being aware of the following common home inspection mistakes can help you avoid them and make the process smoother:
GOING CHEAP
Selecting a home inspector should be based on more than just price. Saving a few dollars by choosing the cheapest inspector may seem like a good idea – until it isn’t. This doesn’t always mean, though, that you’ll regret choosing the least expensive, or that you’ll have the best experience by hiring the most expensive one. Check out How to Choose a Home Inspector for tips on finding the right one for you.
DEAR OL’ DAD CAN DO IT
Dads like to offer opinions all the time on nearly everything, including your purchasing decisions. Looking for an assessment of the condition of your next home, however, should be left to the professionals. Dads have good intentions, but hiring a licensed home inspector is the way to go. They’re more in tune with up-to-date building practices and more experienced with finding uncommon defects. They will also produce a written report that may aid with further transaction negotiations. In addition, home inspectors in Arizona are required to be licensed and insured in case things go awry.
GO PLAY IN THE BACKYARD
Taking pets or small children to the inspection. You’re a guest in the seller’s home and you could be liable for any accidental damage. Distractions from the kids or pets may also prevent you from remembering important details, or cause you to feel rushed.
I’M TOO BUSY
Not being present for the inspection summary. Seeing only the prepared report can lead to confusion or allow small defects to get blown out of proportion. The summary walkthrough adds perspective to the findings, and helps you learn more about which defects really matter. The inspector will often explain the home’s systems and be able to answer any questions that arise during your walkthrough.
HEY, DID YOU SEE THIS?
Interrupting the inspector during the inspection. Following the inspector around the home can be distracting and may lead to inspection errors or create safety issues. Most home inspectors have a routine they follow and interruptions may add unnecessary time or cause omissions from the report.
SO DID IT PASS?
Expecting a pass or fail result, or looking for the inspector to approve the home or advise you to walk away. A home inspection report identifies defects and reports on the condition of the home’s various systems and components. It’s up to you to decide which conditions you’re unwilling to accept or whether or not to cancel the transaction. Home inspectors are will answer questions and help add perspective to reported conditions. You won’t receive a pass or fail assessment of the home.
THE HOME INSPECTION ROUTINE
Every home inspector has a routine they follow during an inspection to help ensure the entire home is inspected. This might include starting with the home’s exterior first, or maybe the kitchen so they can run the dishwasher. They may always go clockwise, or maybe counter clockwise through a home. Don’t expect the next inspector to do or report things exactly like your last one.
Don’t worry about the inspector’s routine or try to manage the inspection. Let him or her do their job uninterrupted. Do plan on being present, though, for the summary presentation at the end. If your inspector doesn’t provide an expected completion time, it’s ok to ask when you should arrive for the summary. This is when they’ll explain their findings, give you a tour of the home’s important components, and answer your questions. Jot down your concerns ahead of time to help remind you. The time to ask about them is during the summary.
HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING!
Buying a home can be a stressful time. You’re bound to deadlines and spending a lot of money. You’ve got a lot on your mind with all the excitement and fear that comes with it. You’ve got a team of professionals working on your behalf – each one an expert in their field. Each of them, including your home inspector, is there for you along the way.
Please don’t skip the home inspection… and please consider AZ Pro Inspector Service for your professional home inspection needs. You can schedule online now or receive an instant quote for your inspection.
AZ Pro Inspector Service is based in the Anthem at Merrill Ranch neighborhood between Florence and San Tan Valley. Your Certified Phoenix Home Inspector services the entire Phoenix area, including Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Apache Junction, Gold Canyon, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Florence, Coolidge, Casa Grande, Arizona City, Eloy, Maricopa and everywhere else in Maricopa and Pinal Counties.
