Picking a home for your future is an important decision that requires a considerable amount of research and thorough contemplation. Once a buyer has found the right home, the decision-making journey doesn’t end there. That home needs to be vetted and checked for any inconsistencies or faults that may have been missed out earlier. This is the inspection stage of the home buying process.
So, how does a buyer go about it? Here’s a detailed checklist.
- Find the right professional home inspector.
Although a buyer must be responsible to check out the house themselves, it also requires an inspection from a seasoned and experienced professional. When choosing which professional home inspectors to hire, the buyer must make sure they know how much experience they have, whether they are certified, whether they have insurance against errors or omissions, and what type of report will be issued – written, oral, or both.
- Confirm what is included in the professional home inspection.
It should be a thorough job including the inspection of structure and foundation, general construction, plumbing, electrical, windows and doors, kitchen and bathroom, appliances, interior walls and ceiling, ventilation and drainage, and more.
- Contact the property owner to finalize the date, time, and duration of the inspection.
The home inspection should occur either 7 days before the contract is accepted or within 14 days after and it is recommended to be scheduled within daylight hours. It will ideally take an estimated 2 to 2 and a half hours to be completed, giving enough time for a thorough check.
- Provide the buyer’s contact details to the home inspector.
Ensure that there is a formal agreement with the home inspector while providing them necessary information such as full name, current address, and phone number.
- Provide property details to the inspector and arrange access to the home.
Ensure that the home inspector has the property address, specific directions, and full access to the home including lock box, garage, closets, attics, etc.
- Inform the owner that all appliances, systems and equipment will be inspected.
The owner must be advised to turn on all utilities including gas, electric, hot water heater, and refrigerator while also removing all items that may block access to any electric panels or amenities and appliances.
- Accompany the home inspector and ensure all utilities are active.
This will allow the buyer to be completely informed throughout the inspection process. It is encouraged to ask questions and pay attention to minor details that might not be included in the inspection report.
- Conduct personal inspections to rule out obvious deficiencies.
The buyer should also take time out the conduct their own basic inspection noting any obvious cracks in the foundation, leakages, electrical malfunctions, conditions of the appliances, painting and repairs required.
- Payment to the professional home inspector is done upon completion of the inspection.
The price of the inspection varies according to the property location, the inspector, the size of the home and the scope of the inspection and reporting. The best way to pick the right prices is to get estimates and compare between different inspectors to get the best value for money.
- Ensure that the charges for the home inspection are fair and accurate.
A home inspection in India costs between Rs. 2,500 to Rs. 20,000 depending on charges that may vary according to the size of the home.
Offering homes in major locations all across the country, Joyville Homes have experts that will help you inspect the home you choose. This home inspection can now be done face to face on-site or via an online video call to accommodate the current changing times.
So, go ahead and complete this checklist before you settle down in the home of your dreams!
