What to Expect from Your Home Inspection

Most offers written by a Grand Rapids real estate agent will include what is referred to as a “home inspection contingency clause.” That little phrase is the buyer’s assurance that their good faith offer depends on the overall soundness of the home. The home inspection covers the property and the home itself, including the structure, exterior, roofing system, plumbing system, electrical system, heating system, air conditioning system, interior, insulation and ventilation, and fireplaces. As a buyer, you may even opt for additional inspections like radon, termite, or mold, as defined in your contract.

Here is a brief outline of the steps in the home inspection process, from the buyer’s perspective:

1. Schedule the inspection . Once an offer has been accepted, the buyer has a certain period of time to have professional inspections completed. Many home buyers ask me for the name of a qualified area home inspector, and you can certainly contact one of those listed on our Home Inspections page.
2. Make a list of questions you have before the inspection. You may want to follow up on things you noticed in a walk-through, or to get ideas about future maintenance.
3. Attend the inspection . Try to attend your home inspection in person if you can. Your agent and the seller’s agent will most likely attend as well, and it should take about 2-3 hours. You can use the inspection to learn all about the systems in your new home from an expert, as well as general things like the gas shutoffs, water shutoffs, and breaker panels. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask questions that could clarify the importance (or insignificance) of a detail that will show up in the final report.
4. Review the inspector’s report . More than likely, the inspection will come up with a few flaws or identify some things about the home that you weren’t aware of. Your agent can help you assess whether there are any serious issues that need to be fixed, and whether any of them should affect the agreed transaction.
5. Follow up with your inspector if you have questions . If the report identifies certain defects that require further examination, find you whether the inspector recommends that you get additional inspections and repair estimates before closing.
6. Release your inspection contingency , and move one step further towards closing!

A home inspection is a great learning tool. As soon as your offer has been accepted, it’s time to start scheduling an inspection, and you can always start by talking to any or all of the professional inspectors on our Home Inspections page. An inspection is the first step in making your home ownership dream into reality.

Photo: paurian ( some rights reserved )