Home Inspections

Tips For Inspecting Your Home

What’s a home inspection? In real estate transactions, buyers hire professional inspectors to assess and report on the physical condition of the home. The inspection can set a buyer’s mind at ease, give the buyer a negotiating opportunity, and expose negative conditions in the property. Learn how to hire an inspector, the different types of inspections conducted, and inspection costs.

How To Choose An Inspector?

The choice of inspector is ultimately up to the buyer. Most real estate agents have an inspector they recommend. Buyers can also hire inspectors who are referrals from friends or family. Check for reviews with a Google search as an alternative way to find a quality inspector. Hire an experienced inspector who is licensed and insured in the state they’re working. I recommend inspectors who inspect the home and educate you on how to care for the home long term. 

What Are The Types Of Inspections?

In the Puget Sound Region, we commonly conduct two types of inspections. Basic home inspections and sewer inspections. For a basic home inspection, the inspector inspects the interior and exterior systems. These include the foundation, crawlspace, plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, appliances, attic, and roof. Some inspectors inspect for signs of pest infestation at no extra charge. If the inspector discovers a serious issue, they’ll recommend a specialist for a more qualified opinion. A basic inspection takes about three hours. 

What Are Sewer Inspections And Why Should You Have One?

Sewer inspections are as important as a basic home inspection. Sewer lines are underground and out of sight so sellers don’t know there’s an issue until an inspection is completed. Owners are responsible for maintenance of their sewer line. The municipality of the home, determines if an owner is responsible to the sidewalk or the mainline. The deeper the sewer line is buried the more expensive the repair costs. It’s imperative to understand the condition of the line before you commit to buying the home. 

A sewer inspection is really simple and takes about 45 minutes. The sewer inspector runs a camera through the sewer line and inspects until it connects to the sewer main. The inspector will report and advise on the condition of the sewer line. 

Five Questions To An Inspector

Listen to Clete from KC inspections. He answers some common inspection questions.—->  What to know about home inspections

How Much Do Inspections Cost?

Inspections are one of the biggest upfront costs to buyers. The cost may be painful but they are essential and ensure you understand the condition of the home. Expect to spend between $500 to $1000 dollars but it depends on the size and location of the home. However, on average inspections usually cost around $700. Sewer inspections cost around $300. Some homes may require additional inspections for special systems such pools, hot tubs, and systems not covered under the basic home inspection. Payment is due at the time of service and most inspectors take all forms of payment.

Let’s Get You Started!

That’s the run down for home inspections. Watch the video to for detailed information and contact me to schedule a consultation and see how we can get you in a home.