DIY projects—like re-staining furniture, building a bookshelf, or painting a wall—can be fun for the ambitious homeowners looking to save some cash. But when it comes to a home inspection, is that something you should try doing yourself? As a home inspection company, you can probably guess what our answer is going to be. But we’re going to tackle the question anyways! Let’s discuss whether a home buyer can and should perform their own home inspection.
Could a Buyer Do Their Own Home Inspection?
The short answer is yes. A prospective buyer is allowed to conduct their own inspection. Those who choose this route likely do so to save a few hundred dollars initially when looking to purchase a house. But, if there are problems with the property that they don’t catch, it could end up costing them thousands of dollars down the road after buying. The safest bet is to hire a professional home inspector.
Why Hire a Home Inspector?
Still not convinced you need a home inspector? Here are the top things to consider before DIY-ing your inspection.
Knowledge and Experience
Maybe you’ve watched hundreds of HGTV shows. But when it comes down to the nitty-gritty, how much do you actually know about the intricacies of electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems? Or local safety codes and requirements?
Proper Training
Coupled with experience, a professional inspector’s extensive training makes them capable of spotting visible problems, anticipating unseen issues, and giving insight into other concerns.
Save Costs
For most people, a house is the largest single purchase of their lifetime. It’s certainly a financial investment worth protecting! What if that price tag doesn’t represent the actual worth? What if they saved the $420 or so from bypassing a professional inspection, only to find out the house is riddled with expensive problems costing tens of thousands of dollars in repairs?
Avoid Bias
Even if you know what to search for, it’s easy to overlook issues when blinded by the love you have for this dream home. A professional third-party inspector will provide you with an unbiased analysis of the property.
Sale Negotiations
Successfully negotiating through the realtor and getting the seller to accept your request for repairs is much more difficult when the evaluation is coming from an amateur as opposed to an experienced home inspector.
The bottom line is: sure, you can perform your own home inspection, but the risks outweigh the benefits. Here at the Homeinex Corporation, our more than 30 years of experience and 10,000+ completed home inspections should give you peace of mind. If you need a home inspector in Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island, contact us today to book your appointment.