Virginia is a beautiful and historic place to live and visit, with unique homes scattered throughout. However, how do you make a decision about which home to buy? If you’re looking to sell your home or buy one, consider a thorough home inspection to ease potential buyers’ minds that your home is safe.
Why Do You Need A Home Inspection?
Potential homebuyers have the opportunity to dive into the character, history, and potential challenges of a new home. Additionally, sellers utilize the inspection process to provide a detailed account of their home and factors that might hinder or increase its property value.
Regardless of the housing market, it’s necessary to have the home you’re interested in inspected so you can decide if it’s too much of a hassle for you to maintain, or worth it for your dream home.
Radon Testing Contingency
Radon is a well-known carcinogen, and high levels inside your home can cause lung cancer and a long list of other health problems. If you’re looking for a new home, these tests will be your best friend for keeping you and your family safe.
Pre-Closing Inspection
If you’ve found a home you’re in love with, have an inspection done before closing on the house so you’re aware of what needs to be addressed. This can include a faulty AC unit, roof damage, and poor deck conditions, among many other concerns found during a walkthrough.
Remember to Check the Home’s Exterior!
The inside of your home needs to be thoroughly inspected for flooring concerns, leaky ceilings, cracks in the walls, etc., but the outside is just as important! Roof inspections are necessary to avoid costly repairs, foundations should be checkedfor cracks or signs of sinking, and the property itself should be in decent condition before moving in. Don’t skip out on these inspections, or you’ll regret it when they start causing costly problems!
Are Inspections Mandatory in My Area?
Unfortunately for buyers, Virginia is a “buyer beware” state, meaning home inspections are not required. However, professional inspection companies highly recommend investing in one to prevent any buyer’s remorse and give the buyer an in-depth look at the condition of the house before committing to the home.
Ask Questions And Do Your Research
Most homeowners do a great job researching the areas they’re interested in moving to – looking up school ratings, distance to work, or parks nearby for the kids. Why would you not put the same effort into researching the home itself? Do research into the area, the history of the home, and any previous issues the house may have had.
It’s okay not to know how the home inspection process works or what questions to ask, but there are friendly folks ready to assist you with everything! Ask the sellers and your realtor plenty of questions, and speak with an inspector about key factors that may make or break your commitment to a home!
Inspections Are a Negotiating Tool
If you and your family are upgrading to a new space, chances are you’re searching for the best “bang for your buck,” the best home for the lowest price point. Once the professionals complete their home inspection, you can use what they found as a bargaining chip to potentially reduce the selling price! Windows that need replacing, old and outdated AC units, and roof shingles that are damaged are examples to bring up in negotiations.
Choosing The Right Inspector
We understand that choosing the right home for you is already a tricky process, so we’d like to make it easier for you! Finding a home inspection company can make these decisions easier for you as the buyer or seller, and can answer questions you have about the process. Detail View Home Inspections is a great choice for all of your home inspection needs, offering a personalized touch to every client we meet!