6 Common Home Inspection Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 

Whether you’re getting ready to buy, sell, rent, or build a house, home inspection is an important part of the process. But at the same time, many people shy away from home inspections because they often point out faults that you may not want to see. 

That said, getting a home inspection is an essential part of the moving process. Here are six of the most common home inspection mistakes and how to avoid them!

1. Not Getting an Inspection

Regardless of the circumstances, you should never buy a home without getting a proper home inspection completed first. Many real estate contracts require you to complete the inspection within roughly a week of your offer (which is called a home inspection contingency period.) If the house doesn’t pass inspection, you can still walk away from the deal without losing any money. 

2. Not Knowing Who You’re Hiring

Make sure that you thoroughly vet your home inspector. While some realtors will recommend great inspectors, others may shy away from strict inspectors who are more likely to point out dealbreakers to prospective buyers. If you’re looking for your own home inspector, check out this page. 

That said, no home is perfect when you buy it, so don’t let one or two small fixes keep you from the house of your dreams.

3. Being Absent for the Inspection

You may be tempted to just let the professionals handle the inspection, but you really should be there. You may catch something that the inspector missed, and you can use that time to point out any areas you’re concerned about. It will also help you understand the report better when the inspector presents it to you. 

4. Not Reading the Report

The report is there for a reason! If you are just hiring a home inspector as a formality, you are missing out on perfectly good information about the home you’re buying. Homes are a huge investment, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into when you buy.

5. Not Prepping Your Home

If you are having an inspector come to look at your property, the place should be ready to inspect before they even step on the premises. This means making sure there’s clear access to important locations like closets, water heaters, the attic, and any HVAC equipment. The inspector should not have to work to get to important places like these!

6. Not Taking Recommendations Seriously

Home inspectors are paid to point out flaws in a property. This can be hard to stomach, especially if you just fell in love with a place. But remember that ignoring the recommendations of a home inspector could have dire consequences for you and your property. 

Instead, read the report thoroughly and ask for clarification on any points that you don’t understand. Before writing off something the inspector has taken note of, do you research and really consider the consequences of ignoring the issue. 

Home Inspection Mistakes: The Bottom Line

When it comes down to it, it’s not hard to do a home inspection the right way. If you can be patient, respectful, and engaged with the inspector, you will gain some valuable insight in regards to your property. For more tips for homeowners, check out our other blog posts!