Here are six reasons not to skip the home inspection!

If you are thinking of waiving the right to a home inspection to make your offer more appealing or to save yourself $400-$500, here are some reasons why you should reconsider. Personally, I think reason number one is reason enough!

1. Most importantly Home Inspectors prevent you from buying a house with any of these DIY jobs.

 

2. Reveals illegal additions or installations.  Homes with system or additions that were not installed to code will become the new homeowners’ financial “problem” to fix (and finance).

3. Negotiating Tool. Being informed on the issues of the house and repairs that need to be done allow you to negotiate with the seller. You can either ask them to pay for some of the repairs or ask them to lower the price. Though keep in mind a home inspection is not for nickel and diming the seller, but if major issues are found then you have the ability to re-negotiate.

4. Forecast Future Cost. A home inspector can tell you the approximate age of plumbing, heating and cooling systems. If you approximately know when you will have to replace these systems you can save up money accordingly.

5. Reveal the Big Picture. People fall in love with a piece of property based on the colour of the walls, the location of the home, or something else; they are completely blind to the issues that can make that dream home a nightmare.

6. Insurance. Some insurance companies will not insure a home if certain conditions are found, or without the presence of certifications. Home inspectors can do these things during the home inspection to save the home buyer time and money.

Even before the home inspection you can get a good idea whether it is going to be your dream house or a nightmare. Bring a house problem sign checklist to your showing and open house to help you look for red flags.

Article based off: Home Inspections You Won’t Believe