You have found the perfect home for you. Congrats! Congratulations!

A home inspection in okotoks ab is the best way for a buyer to evaluate a property’s condition. The inspection documents major and minor issues so you can get a complete picture of what you will do as a homeowner. Your home purchase is the most significant single expenditure you will make in your entire life. In other words, the inspection will tell you if you should celebrate, save money for repairs, or run for your life.

What is the most important thing about a home inspection? What happens if the inspection report needs to be more satisfactory?

The potential deal-breakers for you will be different depending on your financial situation, market conditions, the age of the house, and the surrounding area. There are many things inspectors look out for that could significantly impact a home’s sale, whether for good or bad.

We are breaking it down for you with Omaha Agent Amy Haggstrom. She sells homes 40% faster than the average agent in the region and professional home inspectors for expert advice. This is your home inspection’s CliffsNotes. It’s a quick overview of what’s on your inspection report to help you understand what you’re getting into before you close the sale.

What happens during a house inspection?

You have the right to choose your home inspector as a buyer. It is essential to hire someone who is knowledgeable and experienced.

Haggstrom says, “Rely heavily on your Realtor(r) for some inspector recommendations.” “We can tell which inspectors are legitimate and which are not. We can tell who is thorough, who communicates well, and who explains things to buyers.

Your inspector will evaluate items in your home that are easily accessible and visually observable when they arrive for their appointment. This is according to the American Society of Home Inspectors standards of best practice.

Brian Wetzel, a home inspector and owner of HouseMaster in Somerville, New Jersey, says that the home inspection is a way to find out more about the house you are buying. It’s also a comprehensive overview of the house.

Although the inspection won’t go into every corner, it will give a clear picture of the home’s structure. The review will provide a snapshot of the condition of the house and indicate the type of maintenance and repairs needed in the future.

A home inspection can help to prevent buyer’s remorse, which has become more common (two-thirds of buyers who purchased in August 2021 said that they regretted certain aspects of their purchase). Buyers might be willing to waive home inspections and nix contingencies in a market where sellers are more competitive. In June 2021, 25% of the buyer contingencies were waived by contract holders involved in inspections.

It’s true that the market is a maze. But protecting your investment and financial future are equally important. The nominal cost of an inspection is between $280 to $400 on average. This could save you thousands of bucks and a lot of heartaches down the road.

The inspector found a leak in the sewer during Haggstrom’s home inspection. A plumber was recommended to conduct additional testing. He found that there was a break in the line connecting the home and the city sewer lines. This caused sewage to slowly leak into the house plumbing.

Because of a $10,000 potential sewer line, the buyers had to leave that house. Haggstrom says that this saved them a lot.

These are the top five things that home inspectors want to see.

We spoke with home inspectors, who agreed that there are some things that are most important when it comes to home safety and performance.

Foundation

The foundation is the heart of a house. It supports the house’s structure (frame and drywall, roof, etc.), furniture, and, most importantly, its occupants. Buyers often find foundation issues a problem because they can be expensive to fix.

What inspectors are looking for

Inspectors typically inspect the home’s perimeter for settlement issues, cracks, and slopes. Inspectors will inspect crawl spaces for moisture, mold, and warping, which could compromise the wood support’s integrity. The inspector will also inspect any previous foundation repairs.

Wetzel says that water penetration is one of the most serious concerns. It can cause foundation settlement, which can lead — if you are on a crawlspace — to decay, gray mold, and termite activity.

Repair cost average

The severity of the problem can impact the cost of foundation repair. While the average cost for foundation repair is $4,500, it can go up to $15,000.

Roof

A house sale can be decided by the roof’s quality and performance. Family members will often ask questions about the roof’s age when selling a house.

A roof protects your home from the elements, including wind, rain, snow, and outdoor temperatures. High-performing roofs keep a home well-insulated and provide good ventilation to maintain indoor air quality. It is also expensive to replace.

What inspectors are looking for

Some inspectors will climb on top of the roof to inspect it visually, while others might use ladders to assess the roof. In severe weather, inspectors may need to use binoculars to inspect the roof from below.

“I look at the condition of all components and make sure they are watertight. We still have three to 4 years at a minimum in that roof,” Tim Damm, owner of Blue Ladder home inspections in Aloha.

Inspectors inspect for damaged or missing tiles or shingles, as well as moss growth. They also inspect flashing, gutters, and vents.

Repair cost average

Minor repairs can run between $150 and $1500, while replacement costs, on average, are between $6,000 to $12,000.

Plumbing

What could be worse than a leaky pipe? Water problems can cause serious damage to a house if left untreated. Pervasive water problems drain savings accounts like nothing else. It can cause damage to the foundation, floors, subfloor, and walls. This could lead to headaches and more expensive repairs.

What inspectors are looking for

Any water flow-related items such as pipes, showers and bathtubs, faucets, toilets, toilets, and taps will be included in the home inspection. Inspectors will inspect for leakage, corrosion, cracked pipes, and evidence of DIY work.

They will inspect ceilings, floors, and walls for moisture. Additionally, they will check for contamination or cross-connection.

Repair cost average

Repairing water damage and plumbing problems can quickly add up. Our top list includes the most expensive projects. You will need to consider costs for repairs if there is a water or plumbing problem. This includes restoration fees like dry out, mold remediation, and building materials replacement. This can cost from $1,000 up to $5,000 and may vary depending on the extent of the damage.

Electric systems

A home inspector must assess the safety of a home. Neglecting to address electrical problems can cause severe fires. Electrical systems are 150 and $500. For more severe issues, such as a panel that needs to be replaced or whole-house wiring, expect a higher price, around $1,200 to $2,000.

HVAC system

It is essential to determine if the home’s heating, cooling, and ventilation systems work efficiently and reliably. The home inspection will cover only some details. If you suspect that your unit may be older, you should have an HVAC vendor conduct a deeper evaluation.

What inspectors are looking for

An inspector will usually turn on the heater or air conditioner during an inspection. This is to ensure that they are working correctly. The inspector will typically allow the system to run during the examination to check for any problems.

Repair cost average

The costs vary across the board (see a pattern? Prices vary depending on what is wrong with the system and if there are simple repairs or replacements.

A furnace repair can cost $130 or more than a replacement. On average, air conditioners cost $200-$500 to repair, while a complete replacement can run between $3250 and $12,500.

What is a home inspection?

Home inspectors evaluate more than any of the five items we have listed. However, the items above are often the most troublesome and expensive to resolve.

A home inspection can be comprehensive and will assess the performance and integrity of the house. However, it does not cover all aspects. These are just a few examples of what isn’t included in a home inspection:

  • Any areas that are blocked or locked will be noted by the inspector in their report.
  • Home value (a qualified appraiser will evaluate the home’s fair value during a separate appointment).
  • Landscaping
  • Appliances
  • Specialty inspections are available for healthy and septic systems
  • Home furnishings, paint, wallpaper, and another decor
  • The areas behind the wall cavities
  • Compliance with local codes

What happens if there are problems?

There is no perfect home. The report will reveal the issues that must be addressed. Even new homes can have some problems that need to be repaired. This is often called a “punch list,” and it’s what the final walkthrough will reveal. An agent who is experienced in new-home construction can help you identify the things to look for if you don’t want to go through a complete inspection.

Keep this in mind. If the inspection report reveals serious problems, you will need to decide whether to sell the property.

An inspection is not a pass/fail situation. You will receive a report that lists components that need to be revised or working correctly. It also includes recommendations for repairs or replacements.

What should you do if you receive a negative inspection report? There are a few options available, but details may differ depending on the contract.

Ask the seller for payment to repair your vehicle.

Determine which items you are comfortable fixing and which you would like the seller to fix. An agent is an excellent resource as they will likely have an idea of the market conditions and what sellers are willing to accept.

Keep in mind, however, that the seller will be moving out of the house while you move in. You won’t likely be as invested in the quality of repairs as they are in yours.

You can pay for the repairs yourself.

You might be in a highly competitive market and think that the seller will only pay the repair costs. You might be getting a great deal or have extra money saved. The inspection report will detail the severity of any issues so that you can prioritize repairs that could have an impact on safety, comfort, and health.

Damm says, “Whether repairs are made before or after closing, they (buyers), at least have an idea of where to begin improving their new home.”

Part costs with the seller

High repair costs can be negotiated if your agent believes the seller is willing to meet you halfway. You can arrange a percentage, an agreement for specific items to be paid, or a credit from the seller at closing.

Move on

If you find severe defects in the inspection report and are not comfortable moving forward with the sale, you can cancel the contract. However, the agreement will still allow you to complete the inspection period. To let buyers research the property, the inspection period is a time frame specified in the home sale contract.

Haggstrom’s client discovered a sewer leak and decided that the house wasn’t suitable for him after the seller refused payment. They could cancel their contract without penalty due to the home inspection period.

Know your limits

It is up to you to decide your priorities and what you will accept during a home inspection. You’re best to find an agent you trust to help you identify what is most important to your needs to prepare you for any downs.