Home inspections are an essential part of buying a home. They can save home buyers by making them aware of critical issues hidden beneath a home’s exterior. Here’s everything you need to know about home inspections and what they can tell you about a home.
What is included in a typical home inspection?
Home inspections are the first line of defense against any future repairs or financial disasters when buying a home. A typical home inspection covers all your bases, looking at the building structure, HVAC system, electrical system, foundation, and much more.
Common areas for inspection include:
- Foundations, basement, and crawl space
- Building structure
- Heating and cooling systems
- Electrical plumbing and appliances in the house
- Attic and insulation
- Flashing, roofing, gutters, and exterior
- Fireplace
- Shutoff valves
Included in your home inspection is a report that details areas of concern, the potential for damage, maintenance, and the likely repairs you will need to make in the future. Your inspector will also notify you of any safety concerns present in and around the home, highlighting fire hazards, electrical issues, mold, and problems with ventilation.
This report will serve as an important guide when you’re planning to sell or purchase a home. Keep in mind that a 100% problem-free report is rare, and any problems you find should be weighed with the value of your home and the repairs you are willing to make.
How much does a house inspection cost?
Fees are based on the total square footage of all floors in your home, but the national average for home inspection costs is $339. With our prices based on the square footage listed below, you can see that Kansas REI is fairly priced at a competitive rate.
Price by total square footage:
- 0 – 999: $225
- 1,000 – 1,999: $250
- 2,000 – 2,499: $275
- 2,500 – 2,999: $300
- 3,000 – 3,499: $325
- 3,500 – 3,999: $350
Note: Add $25 for each additional 500 square feet. Add $25 for homes aged 50 years or more.
What is the cost of not getting a home inspection?
Aside from the cost of a home inspection, the cost of not having a home inspection can potentially cost a lot more. Inspectors find problems with your home before they have a chance to grow worse and necessitate lengthy and intrusive repairs.
This report can lead to savings by helping you avoid buying a home that is prone to damages or in need of repair. Using this valuable information about a home can give you more confidence in backing this critical financial decision.
What fixes are usually needed after a home inspection?
After a home inspection, you’ll have a complete report of the condition of your home. Some fixes might be recommended, while others should be considered urgent. Also, the fixes you will most likely need to make will depend on the specifics of your home, such as when it was last inspected, how old it is, local soil conditions, and the local climate.
Common areas where inspectors find issues:
- Roofing
Your inspector will check your roofing conditions and consider things like insulation, the lifespan of your roofing material, and its structural integrity. The older a home is, the greater the likelihood you’ll have to make some repairs or improvements to your roofing.
- Insulation
Insulation plays a vital role in the comfort of your home, its energy efficiency, and safety for everyone inside. Your inspector will check the quality and condition of your insulation around your home and in your attic. Common issues include too little insulation, compressed insulation, or inadequate materials.
- Electrical
Our priority during an electrical inspection is to find any potential safety and fire hazards. Common electrical fixes include missing or faulty outlets, improperly buried wires, problems with the service panel, or extension cords in permanent use.
- Drainage
Home inspectors look for drainage issues in and around your home, checking your roofing, flashing, and gutter systems. Common problems with drainage include insufficient support, obstructions, or improper water diversion that can lead to water damage.
- Plumbing
Like most repairs, the extent of plumbing issues will depend on the age of your home and how it was built. Home inspectors look for visual signs of faulty plumbing while also considering the material used for your pipes. Common plumbing issues found during home inspections include corroded piping, poor insulation, and the condition of your water heater.
Who attends a home inspection?
During a home inspection, two groups should attend —the buyer and the home inspector. It’s best that sellers or agents of the seller not be present during the inspection because it can impede the process. This isn’t to say that sellers intentionally mislead inspectors. In fact, interruptions are usually intended to help the process.
A typical inspection can take anywhere from 2-4 hours, depending on the size and age of your home. During this time, sellers should allow the trained inspector some privacy while evaluating the home and surrounding property.
Can a buyer walk away after an inspection?
After a home inspection, most contracts give buyers an out with their money back. You will need to consult the details of your contract for the conditions of walking away after an inspection, but rest assured, it is standard practice to have an inspection before a final commitment to purchase a home.
If, after a home inspection, you find issues that can lead to costly repairs or fixes that you don’t want to dedicate your time and resources to, walking away can save you a lot of trouble in the future. This is one of the reasons why getting a home inspection before buying a home is so important, as well as the fact that your lender may require it anyway.
Our 100% Home Buyback Guarantee Through InterNACHI
At Kansas REI, we stand by the expertise and experience of all our home inspectors. We are backed by the InterNACHI BuyBack Guarantee, which means if our inspectors miss something they should’ve caught during an inspection, we will buy back your home at no extra cost to you. As a buyer, our home inspectors can give you the peace of mind you need to make the right purchasing decision.
