Article by Brian Marko
Whether it’s your first home or your dream home, real estate transactions are among the biggest-financially and emotionally-many make in a lifetime. Getting a building inspection isn’t even a question, but here are some tips to choose a good inspector or company and use this resource to make a wise purchase.
Buying a home is big deal. Maybe you’re buying your first home or perhaps you’re finally settled on your dream home. Maybe you’re interested in a potential rental property. In any scenario, you may have a lot of emotion tied to this transaction and you’re likely ready to hand over (or borrow from the bank) a very large sum of money. Certain Louisville home inspections will help you rest easy that you’re making a wise decision-protecting your heart and your money.What inspections do I need?
You’ll definitely want a comprehensive building inspection that checks all the major facilities in the home, from the HVAC system to the foundation and everything in between. But there are a few other inspections that you may want, due to the geological area in which the property is located, loan requirements, etc:
Pest or Termite InspectionRadon TestingMold TestingPool InspectionSeptic InspectionFHA Inspections (required for FHA Loans)So, while a building inspection, done by a reliable professional, will provide a good snapshot of the home’s integrity, these other inspections may be necessary or desired.How will I know I am choosing the best building inspector?Know first that building inspectors are working for you, the home buyer. Louisville home inspections help you make the best decision on the final purchase. Every home will have flaws-but qualified inspectors can help you determine which issues are deal breakers and which aren’t. But, not all inspectors are created equal, so here are some quick tips for choosing the right one: Make sure home inspections are their primary source of business. (For example, a plumbing contractor who does inspections on the side might have a conflict of interest)
Make sure they’re insured and the company is reputable. Ask friends or your real estate agent for a referral.
Ask for a sample of their reports. They should have reports that are easy to read and understand, preferably with photos.
Trust your gut. A good inspector will expect that you want to see what they are looking at and that you’ll have a lot of questions-and they’ll be happy to have you along and be ready to answer those questions. (Side note: a good inspection can take 2-3 hours depending on the size of the home; question the inspector if the inspection doesn’t take that long.)A good building inspection is worth its weight in gold. It can prevent you from financial ruin and heartbreak when your dream castle turns into a money pit, or it can help you have the confidence you need to sail through the closing. Perform your due diligence and make a smart decision. Happy house hunting.
About the Author
Brian Marko resides in Louisville, KY, and is a real estate investor that spends his time managing the properties he owns, as well as helping the general public learn more about making wise decisions when purchasing property. Whether evaluating Louisville home inspections or learning more about termite inspections and FHA loan requirements, Marko likes to share his findings online.