A home inspection is the buyer’s last opportunity to discover problems with the house before purchasing. And it’s a chance for the seller to address those problems and negotiate pricing with the buyer.
Here’s what to expect on home inspection day as a home seller or buyer. Learn what the inspector will look for and how you should handle any issues that are turned up in the process.
What is a home inspection?
As a home buyer, the home inspection is your last chance to uncover defects with the house — and potentially get the seller to pay for them — before sealing the deal.
Here’s what to expect during a home inspection:
- A home inspector will look at the interior and exterior parts of home like the foundation, structural components, roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems, then provide a written home inspection report with results
- A home inspection generally takes two to four hours, but may take more time depending on the size of the house. After the physical inspection, the home inspector may take a couple of days to send the written report
- Buyers should attend the inspection so they can explore their new home in detail and ask questions during the process. This can give you much more information than the report alone
What do home inspectors look for?
Who pays for a home inspection?
The buyer usually pays for a professional home inspection. However, on making an offer, some insist the seller pays. So that’s an item for negotiation.
Sometimes, sellers get their own home inspection before they put their homes on the market. That can reassure potential purchasers. And it can provide the owner with a chance to fix issues ahead of the marketing of the property.
However, not all buyers are willing to accept a report paid for by the seller. In fact, experts recommend that buyers choose their own inspector, someone without ties to either the seller or the seller’s Realtor.
How long does a home inspection take?
The duration of an inspection can vary depending on:
