Buying a house is one of the largest purchases you will make in your lifetime. With this said, it is extremely important that you go about it in the right way. Don’t try to rush the process by skipping steps because you are eager to get it done and over with. Instead, make sure you carefully and thoroughly go through all the proper steps to make sure everything goes smoothly.
One of those elements that one should never overlook or ignore when purchasing a house is the inspection process. We further outline just how important a home inspection is before purchasing a home, as well as reasons to not buy a house without an inspection.
Safety Is Key
You don’t ever want to go through the process of purchasing a home to find that there is something wrong with it that could put you and your family in danger. Safety must always be the priority, especially when purchasing a home.
The inspection will help rule out all the dangerous elements that could be present, such as structural issues or mold problems. If you employ a professional inspector, make sure they look closely at the basement, as many safety issues occur there as well.
Provides Room for Negotiations
Home inspections reveal areas of the house that need work, providing the perfect opportunity for negotiations. Not only can you request for them to repair the problems before going forward on the sale, but you can also request a price reduction. This step is really important for you to get a good quality home for the right price.
Determines Deal Breakers
Completing a home inspection before you purchase a house could help you identify big issues and game-changers that might change your mind on the purchase. You want to identify those problems now so that you can make the most responsible decision. For example, you are not going to want to purchase a house where you need to replace the gutters, fix cracked ceilings, or perform any other labor-intensive task—especially if you are not ready to tackle these projects. Furthermore, these issues could affect your budget. If you weren’t planning on buying a fixer-upper, chances are you didn’t consider this when saving or taking out a loan with the bank
It Reveals the Bigger Picture
People tend to focus on the aesthetic and design of the home when looking for their dream house. At times, this can take away from the bigger picture and the important details. Going through the house with an inspector will allow you to see the property from a different perspective so that you can see if—logistically and realistically—this house is for you. There is way more to owning a house than just the way it looks from the outside.
While there are going to be some maintenance requirements that come with purchasing a home, the problems shouldn’t be large and challenging. Like stated above, avoiding these issues one of the exact reasons to not buy a house without an inspection. Be responsible and really make sure that this purchase is one you want to make!
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.