Are you buying a home? If so, congratulations!

This is an exciting time, but it’s wise to keep your wits about you. In most cases, that means scheduling a home inspection.

Inspections are critical to the home buying process, and they are equally as necessary whether you are buying an existing home or a new construction home. Some people are surprised when it’s suggested that a brand new home needs an inspection, but it’s true. Builders sometimes take shortcuts or make errors that the buyer wouldn’t notice. However, inspectors are trained to sniff out some of the most common and potentially damaging problems in both new and existing homes.

Still not convinced? Take a look at these eleven reasons to get a home inspection.

By the end, we think you’ll agree that a home inspection is essential before you sign on the dotted line.

1. Catch Issues Before They Become Problems

Regular maintenance and repair projects are parts of home ownership. Perhaps the home’s current owner has taken excellent care of the property. On the other hand, it’s possible that there are problems lurking in the structure of which even the most conscientious homeowner may be unaware.

Home inspections are designed to identify small headaches before they become huge problems. A tiny leak behind a bathroom wall is one thing, but it can turn into a veritable flood if it’s neglected.

Early detection of maintenance and repair issues provides you with a chance to fix problems before they become larger and more costly. Plus, a pre-purchase home inspection provides you with an opportunity to negotiate with the current owner.

• Do you want to require that certain repairs be made before you purchase the home?
• Or, will you be satisfied with a reduction in price that will make it more affordable for you to fix the problem after the purchase?

2. A Professional Report on the Property’s Condition

One of the best reasons to request a home inspection is because it provides you with a professional report from an experienced and knowledgeable inspector. The inspector will need to access all areas of the house, both inside and outside the structure. The report is produced only after the inspector has spent several hours on the property. Consisting of numerous pages, the written report is detailed and likely to include illustrative photos.

Not every inspector is the same. Some are more experienced and thorough than others. It may be a good idea to interview at least two or three inspectors before you choose one. Remember that it’s not a good idea to go with the lowest bidder. Instead, you’ll probably want to choose the inspector with the most experience who comes highly recommended.

3. An Honest, Independent Evaluation of the Home

When you hire a home inspector, they are working with your best interests in mind. The inspector doesn’t work for the home’s seller or their real estate agent. Because you hired the home inspector, you can trust them to give you an honest and independent evaluation.

This may mean that you learn some things about the premises that aren’t attractive, but this is the point of having the inspection done. If something is wrong, you need to know about it before you buy the property so that you can make an informed decision.

4. Genuinely Understand the Home’s Condition

Perhaps you’ve already noticed a few issues around the house, like some musty smelling areas. Maybe a few windows have broken seals or there are signs of possible water damage on one of the ceilings.

Be sure to make a list of all of these potential issues so that you can draw the inspector’s attention to them. Your inspector can tell you if these signs are cause for concern or no big deal. Additionally, the inspector will provide you with an in-depth understanding of all of the home’s systems from the foundation and basement to the attic and roof.

5. Inspectors Even Check the Places You’d Rather Not

How keen are you on going into the crawlspace of your prospective new home? If you’re like most home buyers, you’d rather never peer into an unfinished basement or other dark, hard-to-access corners.

The good news is that inspectors are trained to delve into even the most inaccessible places on the property. That means examining the basement, crawl space, attic or any other place that might be dark and filled with spiders. This thoroughness explains why nothing escapes the notice of the well-trained home inspector.

Has the home had any wood destroying organisms in the past or that are active currently?

6. Get to Know the Home’s Exterior

While you can expect the inspector to do a thorough review of the home’s interior, he won’t neglect the exterior. Inspectors look at all major exterior components including the driveway, garage, patio, deck, balcony, windows, gutters and downspouts, siding, lighting and doors.

Exterior maintenance and repairs can represent major expenses, especially if routine care hasn’t been provided over the years. It’s always best to know about these conditions before you buy. The inspector will provide educated opinions with regard to how much life remains in the roof and siding. These estimates will help you to gauge which repairs are needed immediately and which can wait for a future date.

7. Verify the Condition of the Electrical System

A home’s electrical system is one of its most imperative components, but it also can be one of its most dangerous if it’s outdated or not in good condition. Accordingly, home inspectors pay particular attention to signs that may indicate an issue with the property’s wiring. This provides an opportunity for the current homeowner or the buyer to ensure that a qualified electrician addresses these problems.

8. Get a Radon Detection Test

Radon is a common gas that is colorless and odorless. Frequently, it enters homes through cracks in their foundations. It’s impossible to know whether or not radon is present without having a test performed. This is crucial because exposure to radon gas can lead to potentially serious problems with your family’s respiratory systems.

If the radon detection test comes back negative, you can rest easy. Otherwise, your inspector may suggest actionable steps for mitigating the situation.

9. Root out Mold Problems

Mold is a natural substance that is relatively harmless until it begins to flourish in crawlspaces, attics, basements and other spots where damp conditions may lurk. Not only is mold difficult to remove from surfaces but also it can smell really bad. Worst of all, mold can be responsible for numerous medical issues.

Is mold lurking in the home you’re hoping to buy? The best way to find out is with a comprehensive home inspection.

10. Save on Homeowners Insurance

Did you know by adding 4 point and wind mitigation to your inspection you have a good chance at saving money with your homeowners insurance?

The wind mitigation inspection essentially looks for key features of a home that will reduce the amount of damage a home will take in the event of a windstorm or hurricane.

The 4 point inspection tells the insurance companies how well the home has been maintained. This inspection is mandatory on homes over 30 years old in Florida.

11. Get the Peace of Mind You Deserve

Buying a home is a major investment and commitment. You deserve to have peace of mind throughout the process. Only a home inspection can reveal the property’s true condition to you, putting you in the right position to make a choice.

Work with Florida’s Choice Realty

Let our expert Realtors help you find the existing or new construction home of your dreams. We encourage all of our buyers to have a home inspection before they sign on the dotted line because we want them to be satisfied with their purchase.