Do I Need A Home Inspection?
What Is A Home Inspection?
Before purchasing a house, we need to dive into the importance of a home inspection and its place in the home-buying transaction. Without having an understanding of what is inspected or why, it is hard to recognize the significance of this report, and you may begin to wonder why it is necessary at all.
The average home inspection focuses heavily on a particular set of important areas, occasionally referenced as the “Big Five”. These areas include the foundation, plumbing, roofing, the HVAC system, and the electrical system. All five elements play a predominant role in the overall wellness and longevity of the home, and directly impact its market value.
What To Expect
A home inspection typically takes 2-4 hours to perform, depending on the size of the home or the notations needing to be made. A report is created and then shared with the buyer and buyer’s agent. The bottom line of an inspection is to educate the potential buyer as to the state of the home, to give him or her the best vantage point to be able to decide whether the property is worth the investment.
An inspector will not give you their opinion on whether the home is worth its cost. Their goal is solely to lay out all defects- big and small- and pass their knowledge on to the buyer. It is always best for a buyer to be present to ask questions along the way, as this is the best opportunity to learn directly from the source. Inspection reports can leave a buyer with inquiries, especially for first-time home buyers, so discerning what concerns are worth the worry from your inspector is helpful!
State Regulations
The state of Georgia does not regulate home inspections or inspectors. This means that with no education, licenses, or experience required, home buyers must do some research to determine which inspection companies hold true value through certifications. Professional real estate agents also can offer advice in this arena, as any seasoned realtor has been through many inspections in their time.
Georgia is also a state in which home inspections are not required as part of the home-buying transaction. That being said, it is of utmost importance to have an inspection performed anyway. A home inspection can save a buyer thousands in repairs for problems that could have been unearthed prior to closing. Not only can an inspection save your wallet- it will also give you peace of mind knowing all there is to know about maintenance needed for your new investment.
An Informed Decision
Our team is dedicated to helping you make the most informed decision regarding your real estate investments! If you were previously unsure of whether or not to order a home inspection, we hope you now are more aware of the significance as well as the benefit! We are here for YOU and are happy to answer any questions you may have, whether you are looking to buy a new home in the distant future, or are under contract right now. Give us a call today- and we look forward to helping you gain peace of mind in your real estate endeavors!