You’ve officially found the home of your dreams and you’re ready to make an offer on it – congratulations! A lot of effort has gone into this moment. But after celebrating the moment, it’s important to prepare for the work needed to complete the purchase. This includes completing any inspections on your possible future home.
A basic home inspection provides a general overview of the condition of a house, especially its key components such as household appliances and systems. While the basic inspection may not seem it, it is a crucial part of the home buying process. These inspections can help save thousands of dollars in the long run. They can reveal red flags that you may not have seen otherwise. In the case that something is found, you’ll want to schedule additional tests and get a deeper look into a house before making a final offer on it.
To ensure that an inspection is thorough and helpful, you will want to work with your Howard Hanna Real Estate Agent as you determine what needs to be evaluated. Then, as needed, you can follow up on these potential results:
Furnace Inspections and Repairs
During a standard home inspection, the inspector will assess the overall condition of the boiler or furnace, including reviewing any service tags that indicate past maintenance. In many cases, the unit may only require a routine cleaning or tune-up before the sale. However, if the inspector identifies issues such as cracks, heating problems or signs of system deficiencies, they will usually recommend that a licensed HVAC specialist perform a more thorough evaluation. It’s important to follow up on these recommendations to avoid potential system failures and costly repairs down the line.
HVAC System Inspections and Repairs
One thing you always want in great condition is a home’s heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system (HVAC). During a standard home inspection, the inspector will review this system to ensure it is in working order. They will then report any signs that the equipment is not performing at its peak efficiency. As with all other parts of a home inspection, any recommendations for repairs should be considered as you and your agent negotiate your final offer on a house.
Water Heater Inspections and Repairs
When a water heater malfunctions, the results can become dangerous. Home inspectors aim to avoid this by checking a water heater for problems such as valve installation issues, clogged discharge lines,and corrosion and rust. Depending on the condition of a water heater, as well as its age, the inspector will make recommendations for any necessary next steps, which could range from simple repairs to a full replacement. Be sure to bring these recommendations to your Howard Hanna agent! That way, they can be discussed as you continue to negotiate on your offer to buy the house.
Home Appliance Inspections and Repairs
A malfunctioning appliance, like a water heater, can contribute to damage or dangerous situations in a house. That said, only some appliances are covered during a home inspection. Specifically, “built-in” appliances that are permanently attached to the home will be examined.
While things such as microwaves and refrigerators are not typically covered, you can expect an inspector to review a house’s wall ovens, ranges, surface cooktop appliances, built-in microwave ovens, dishwashers and food waste disposals. An inspector will also provide specific recommendations as needed for each individual appliance.
Electrical Safety Inspections and Repairs
While electrical safety is a bigger concern in older homes, electrical issues can develop in any house at any time. Ensuring that all electrical systems are properly grounded to prevent fire, shock and damage to appliances is an essential part of every home inspection. Inspectors will also take a look at circuit breakers, wiring, light fixtures, ceiling fans and outlets to make sure they’re working and aren’t potential fire hazards. Any next steps recommended to address electrical issues will be specific to each inspection. Whatever recommendations you receive, take them seriously and review them with your agent.
Structural Inspections and Repairs
The structural health of a house is what will help that house continue to stand. That’s why inspectors will take the time to review structural components for obvious signs of damage. From cracking in the foundation to rot damage in the walls and deterioration in the floors, there are many ways an inspector can determine if any structural damage exists. If it does, you’ll want to review that information with your Howard Hanna agent, as well as review it at the negotiating table.
Roof Inspections and Repairs
The roof of a house is exposed to the elements every single day, so it’s not uncommon for a roof inspection to reveal some degree of wear and tear. However, minor issues can become big issues that lead to damage inside a house. Finding out exactly what damage exists is important so that it can be repaired in a timely manner. Home inspectors will also often check to ensure that the roof structure is able to handle the stress associated with snow and other natural occurrences.
As a home buyer, your priority is to find out from your inspection whether or not a full roof repair will be necessary in the near future. If the answer is yes, you and your agent will need to discuss the issue and how it could affect the amount of your offer as you negotiate the final details surrounding the purchase of the house.
What To Do With All Those Recommendations
A home inspection is a big deal. With that being said, it’s okay if a house that you love isn’t perfect during a home inspection. Instead, aim to have an experienced home inspector provide detailed and accurate information about the property you are planning to purchase. That way, you’ll know exactly what you’re purchasing, and can plan for your future more confidently.
Don’t forget that you can also bring all of your home inspection questions to your Howard Hanna real estate agent!
Our agents are trained to help you with every part of the buying process and will not only help you evaluate the house you want to buy but will help you use the information from its inspection to negotiate your way to the best deal possible. Howard Hanna agents can also help you purchase additional protections plans for your house, including insurance and home warranties. This allows you to fully prepare for the big move into your new home.
No matter where you are in your buyer’s journey, it’s never too late to begin working with us. Reach out to a Howard Hanna agent today if you’re looking for assistance finding the perfect home!
For more information on warranties through Howard Hanna, Click HERE.
Howard Hanna Real Estate Services proudly provides real estate, mortgage, title, and insurance services across 14 states. As the largest family-owned and -operated real estate brokerage in the United States, Howard Hanna operates more than 500 offices with 15,000 sales associates and staff. Recognized as the most innovative brokerage, Howard Hanna provides solution-based programs and platforms to empower their agents to provide more resources for homebuyers and home sellers, resulting in their agents achieving a sales success rate that is 53% higher than agents at the top 1000 brokerages nationally. Since 1957, Howard Hanna has helped agents build the skills and experience needed to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of real estate. Learn more at www.HowardHanna.com.
