Rarely do home inspections turn up nothing but perfection. There are numerous cases where even a second inspection is required after repairs or replacements occur. After all, a professional must inspect the changes to ensure everything is up to code. Yet, beyond checking on new repairs and replacements, what are the other reasons for a second home inspection? Let’s discuss when a second home inspection is required and what it entails.
When is a Second Home Inspection Required?
The most common need for a second home inspection is an inspector returning to see if a major defect that resulted in a failed inspection – such as a dangerous electrical problem – has been appropriately resolved. However, there are many more reasons a home inspector may have to return to a property, some of which include:
- Sale Fell Through: If the home was inspected while under contract to be sold but the sale fell through, the new buyer will want the home inspected again.
- Lender Request: Some underwriters may request a second home inspection to ensure the property is structurally sound if an issue is discovered during the first inspection.
- Too Good to Be True: Very rarely will a home inspector find nothing of note, but in the unlikely case they do, a buyer may want a second inspection just for peace of mind.
Of course, another reason to get a second inspection is if the hired inspector is inexperienced and either doesn’t do their due diligence or misses an obvious flaw. This can be avoided by hiring an experienced inspector.
What Happens During a Second Inspection?
A second inspection is no different than the initial one. When performing a second home inspection, the inspector will approach it as if they know nothing about the property. Any number of issues could have emerged since their previous inspection, and there’s a chance the inspector may have missed something the first time around. Sometimes a buyer will request the results of a past inspection if they know the inspector has previously checked a home, but providing a former report of the property is considered an ethical violation on the inspector’s part, so it’s not reasonable for the buyer to expect one.
A second home inspection can give both the seller and buyer the peace of mind that their property is clear of dangerous defects and other issues. At Homeinex Corporation, we will perform a thorough home inspection the first time, but in the event a second inspection is needed, you can trust us to perform a check just as detailed as the first. If you need the help of an expert home inspector, contact us today.