{"id":369075,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:12","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/home-inspections-before-you-buy.html"},"modified":"2023-08-25T11:58:11","modified_gmt":"2023-08-25T16:58:11","slug":"home-inspections-before-you-buy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/buying-a-home\/home-inspections-before-you-buy.html","title":{"rendered":"Home Inspections Before You Buy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Home Inspections Before You Buy<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-mccall-j-d\/\">Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last reviewed\n        <time>\n                            August 25, 2023\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>Buying a new home is a significant investment for most families. A professional home inspection before you purchase the home can save time, money, and heartache.<\/p>\r\n<p>In an ideal world, home sellers would disclose any defects or issues with a home. This disclosure would allow buyers to assess realistically if they should purchase the property. Many buyers only learn of problems, such as water damage, after they move in and are responsible for repairs.<\/p>\r\n<p>Potential buyers can get a realistic appraisal of the home&#8217;s condition through a home inspection. They learn about potential problems or safety issues before they make an offer. The buyer retains the choice to ask for concessions, walk away, or accept the home as is.<\/p>\r\n<p>Home inspections are also a valuable tool for sellers. Inspections can help them prepare their home for sale. An inspection can help identify necessary repairs or electrical issues that sellers should resolve before a home sale.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article explores the necessity of home inspections and the home inspection process.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Why Home Inspections Are Important<\/h2>\r\n<p>Home inspections are not synonymous with home appraisals. A home appraisal helps determine the value of a house. Many buyers and sellers use home appraisals to determine the sale price of a home.<\/p>\r\n<p>A home inspection goes beneath the surface and looks at the home&#8217;s condition. Mortgage lenders and homebuyers want to ensure the house is in good shape. In the event of a default, a lender will sell the home.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Home Inspection Contingency Clause<\/h3>\r\n<p>A home inspection helps potential buyers understand any potential liabilities. For this reason, many home purchase agreements include an inspection contingency clause.<\/p>\r\n<p>A home inspection contingency clause allows the buyer to terminate the contract if the inspection uncovers a significant defect.<\/p>\r\n<h3>What Home Inspectors Examine<\/h3>\r\n<p>Home inspectors look into every aspect of a home, including the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Crawl space<\/li>\r\n<li>Shingles<\/li>\r\n<li>Gutters<\/li>\r\n<li>Electrical panels<\/li>\r\n<li>HVAC systems<\/li>\r\n<li>Air conditioning systems<\/li>\r\n<li>Water heaters<\/li>\r\n<li>Plumbing systems<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Certified home inspectors may look for asbestos or mold in older homes. Discoveries like asbestos are not minor issues. These are issues that can negatively impact human health.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Finding a Professional Home Inspector<\/h2>\r\n<p>There are several ways to find a professional home inspector. Since many states require certification through the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.homeinspector.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">American Society of Home Inspectors<\/a>&nbsp;(ASHI) or the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nachi.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">International Association of Certified Home Inspectors<\/a>&nbsp;(InterNACHI), these organizations are an excellent place to look for an inspector. Real estate transactions are a team effort, so ask your Realtor or buyer&#8217;s agent for recommendations.<\/p>\r\n<h3>Home Inspector Qualifications<\/h3>\r\n<p>Thirty-eight states regulate home inspectors, and requirements vary from state to state. Some of these requirements include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Completing 30 to 120 hours of education<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Passing the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/nationalhomeinspectorexam.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Home Inspector Examination<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Having insurance coverage<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Recertification, per state regulations<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Performing a certain number of paid home inspections<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Passing a background check<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>If your state does not require licensure, consider the potential home inspector&#8217;s credentials carefully. Ask about their training and experience.<\/p>\r\n<h2>The Home Inspection Process<\/h2>\r\n<p>Once you have found a certified home inspector, the next step is the home inspection. Ask the inspector if you can accompany them on the walkthrough. Home inspectors go through the entire house and the exterior of the home.<\/p>\r\n<p>Their review of the physical home may include the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Heating and cooling systems<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Electrical systems<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Plumbing<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Septic system<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Walls, ceilings, and flooring<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Foundation and basement<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Roof<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Drainage<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Earthquake preparedness<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Inspectors also examine structures that are part of the home, like chimneys or a fireplace.<\/p>\r\n<h2>Home Inspection Costs<\/h2>\r\n<p>Home inspections vary in cost but can range from $400 to $700, depending on the home&#8217;s age, type, or size. While the buyer usually pays for the home inspection, both parties can share the cost as part of the closing costs.<\/p>\r\n<h2>After the Home Inspection<\/h2>\r\n<p>After the walkthrough, the inspector will prepare a home inspection report for the homebuyer. The buyer and their real estate agent should review the report for red flags. If the report uncovers any significant defects, the homebuyer has several options, which include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Backing out of the purchase agreement<\/li>\r\n<li>Asking the seller to reduce the purchase price<\/li>\r\n<li>Accepting the house as it is<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Additional Inspections<\/h2>\r\n<p>The home inspection is a visual check of the house. The inspector looks for potential issues and apparent damage. They do not check every crack and crevice in the home. Homeownership is a significant responsibility; buyers should take every measure to protect their investment.<\/p>\r\n<p>Homebuyers should consider the following additional inspections:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A pest inspection if there is any evidence of termites or wood ants<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A radon test, depending on the location of the house<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A seismic home assessment to identify building risks associated with earthquakes<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2>Problems With a Home Inspection? Talk to an Attorney<\/h2>\r\n<p>Buying a home is an investment, particularly for first-time homebuyers. If you have issues with any aspect of the homebuying process, including the home inspection, an experienced&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">local real estate attorney<\/a>&nbsp;can help.<\/p>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" 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11.4432C19.7859 11.8119 19.236 12.01 18.67 12H16M9.00003 14V18C9.00003 18.7956 9.3161 19.5587 9.87871 20.1213C10.4413 20.6839 11.2044 21 12 21L16 12V0.999995H4.72003C4.2377 0.994543 3.76965 1.16359 3.40212 1.47599C3.0346 1.78839 2.79235 2.22309 2.72003 2.7L1.34003 11.7C1.29652 11.9866 1.31586 12.2793 1.39669 12.5577C1.47753 12.8362 1.61793 13.0937 1.80817 13.3125C1.99842 13.5313 2.23395 13.7061 2.49846 13.8248C2.76297 13.9435 3.05012 14.0033 3.34003 14H9.00003Z\"\n                              stroke=\"#666666\" stroke-width=\"2\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\"\/>\n                    <\/g>\n                    <defs>\n                        <clipPath id=\"clip0_604_3423\">\n                            <rect width=\"22\" height=\"22\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n                        <\/clipPath>\n                    <\/defs>\n                <\/svg>\n            <\/i>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n    <span class=\"was-this-helpful__taken-action fl-text-sm-bold\"><\/span>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-container\">\n        <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n            <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <\/div>\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\">\n        <div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Many real estate processes can be handled on your own or with the help of a realtor\n\n                <\/li>\n                            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An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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