A standard home inspection process will take between two and three hours for a single-family home. If the home is a condo or co-op, it will be less time consuming because the inspector will only need to examine the parts of the building that are common to all units. In some cases, the inspector may recommend a more in-depth specialized inspection for things like radon, termite infestations, asbestos, lead piping or paint.
A home is usually the largest purchase people will ever make. A thorough, non-invasive inspection of the structure and its components should be a standard part of every real estate transaction.
1. The Inspection
Home inspectors look at the condition of a house, checking for things like cracks in the foundation or leaks in the roof. They can also check the plumbing, electrical and heating systems, as well as the walls, ceilings, floors and windows. They will also check the basement and crawlspaces if they are accessible.
If the inspector finds something that needs to be fixed, they will usually mention it in their report. This can help you negotiate with the seller to fix it before you move in, or it can help you avoid buying a money pit that will require expensive repairs later on.
2. The Report
Home inspectors write up a detailed report after the inspection is complete. The document will include lots of photographs and a description of any issues found with the property. It will also contain a summary of the major problems and recommendations for further evaluation by professionals.
The initial pages of the report will have general information about the property, the inspection company and definitions or a key for codes or symbols used to describe the severity of issues. It will also note who was present for the inspection and what weather conditions were experienced.
The bulk of the home inspection report will be the observations made about the visible and readily accessible parts of the property. For example, an inspector will be able to observe a roof, foundation, electrical system and plumbing. However, the inspector won’t be able to see underneath sinks or in crawl spaces without special equipment. They won’t comment on aesthetics like stains on the ceiling unless they indicate a problem, such as water damage.
3. The Negotiation
When a home inspection reveals serious issues, buyers can decide to back out of the sale entirely or negotiate with the seller. They can ask for specific repairs to be made, renegotiate the sales price or even ask for credit to cover certain costs that they may have to pay later.
This is why a professional home inspector is so important. They will be able to help buyers navigate these complex situations.
In New York, where historical and modern elements blend seamlessly and unique climatic conditions present distinct hurdles, home inspections play a critical role in providing transparency and successful property transactions. Whether assessing centuries-old estates or newly developed properties, thorough and accurate home inspections can save both buyers and sellers time and money. Buyers can rely on a thorough home inspection to give them confidence in their purchase and sellers can use it as an opportunity to make necessary improvements prior to selling. Home inspections are usually paid for by the home buyer, so the inspector has an incentive to ensure that the transaction goes smoothly.
4. The Closing
Once the inspection is complete, you should have a clear picture of any problems that might be hidden from view. This will give you the leverage you need to negotiate with the seller. If the issues are significant, it may be wise to walk away from the purchase.
However, if the problems are minor and easy to fix, such as a cracked foundation, you should be able to ask the seller to do them or give you a credit for them at closing. Just make sure you choose your battles carefully–handing sellers a laundry list of repairs could rub them the wrong way and slow down the process. You can also get specialized inspections for things like asbestos, lead paint and radon to find out if there are any hidden issues that could affect your health or the home’s value. However, these are typically not included in a home inspection. They are usually performed separately by licensed and regulated professionals.