Hiring a professional home inspector is the most vital box to check off on your list of home-buying tasks. However, with the number of myths that surround home inspections, it can be easy to adopt unrealistic expectations when deciding on the right professional for the role. To prevent any miscommunication with your inspector, let’s review some of the common misconceptions about home inspections.
1. A Home Inspection is a Guarantee That Nothing’s Wrong
According to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), a home inspection is defined as a visual examination of a structure, from roof to foundation. A home inspector will evaluate the condition of a home’s heating system, interior plumbing, electric systems, and structural components, but they are limited to what is visible to the naked eye, as they are not permitted to dismantle objects. As such, they are not able to see any potential hazards that are enclosed but rather can only look for evidence of underlying issues.
2. A Home Either Passes or Fails an Inspection
It’s common to finish an inspection only for the buyer to ask, “Did it pass?” However, a home inspector cannot give their opinion on whether to purchase the home. They can explain their findings and point out the flaws in a structure, but whether the buyer chooses to buy the home despite these issues depends on their level of tolerance and willingness to tackle repairs. Whether a home inspection is considered a pass or fail lies with the buyer.
3. New Construction Doesn’t Require an Inspection
Building a new home is complex and requires several levels of subcontractors and workers. With so many teams involved in the process, there is a lot of room for error, even with the best builders. There’s also a possibility that an inspection will uncover any issues that are the responsibility of the builders to rectify. This will be especially beneficial if you decide to sell. If you forego an inspection, a future home inspector might uncover an issue dating back to the date the structure was established, at which time the repairs would be on your dime.
Knowing the truth behind these common misconceptions about home inspections will help you when it comes time to buy a home. A home inspection is always necessary, and how you interpret the inspection report is equally vital. At Homeinex Corporation, our home inspection services are comprehensive, and we’ll make sure you fully understand the information we uncover. If you need a professional home inspector to inspect your current or future property, contact us today.