• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Accessibility Statement

Follow Us on FacebookFollow Us on TwitterFollow Us on InstagramFollow Us on YouTubeRSS Feed

Kimberly Howell Properties

San Antonio Real Estate

office@kimberlyhowell.com
(210) 493-6888
  • Blog
  • About Us
  • Agents
  • Buyers
    • Neighborhoods
    • Relocation Information
  • Sellers
  • Listings
    • Available Rentals
    • Homes for Sale
    • McNair Custom Homes
    • Open Houses
  • Contact
  • Rental SearchHomes for Rent
  • REALTORS®Find an Agent
  • McNair Custom HomesNew Construction
  • Property SearchHomes for Sale
You are here: Home / Buying a Home / Home Inspection: Do I Need One?

Home Inspection: Do I Need One?

July 25, 2012 by khproperties Leave a Comment

Home Inspection

The Home Inspection: A Buyer’s Best Friend

The simple answer? Yes. A home inspection is an important step in the home buying process, but one that many homeowners (and sellers) wish they could skip because of the cost – an average home inspection ranges from $300-500 and varies based on size of the home and optional equipment such as pools, type of foundation (pier and beam will cost more), and sprinkler systems. Although everyone is trying to save money when buying a house, the home inspection is a step you should never skip.

A home inspector’s job is simple; inspect the property and write up a report based on their findings. These reports include not only what is wrong with the home and may require attention, but also will note any “deficiencies” in the home. Typically, this will include things that are not up to current building codes. Although the word deficient will often catch the buyer’s attention, some of these things are more noteworthy than repair-worthy (your agent, along with the inspector can help you understand which is which). The inspection report may reveal roof damages that may need the expertise of roofing contractors who can repair the damaged roofing using 5 gallon commercial roof sealant pails. Click the link to see how to make homemade sealant finishing tools. In addition, the ac unit may need to be serviced by a professional ac repair technician in order for it to pass the inspection.

An excellent home inspector will take their time during the inspection and point out things as they go along…this can be a great help after you move in and wonder where the water shut off valve is located. By following the inspector as he goes through the steps of the home inspection, you can often gain a sort of “how to” manual for the basic systems of your home.

Once the home inspection report is delivered to you and your agent, if you have elected for an option period in the contract, you can now discuss potential repair requests you will make of the seller. Remember, the seller doesn’t have to make the repairs, but you also (with the option period in place) have the right to terminate the contract and move on. It becomes a negotiation between the two parties – so determine what matters to you most and be prepared for some give and take (and know when to stand your ground as well).

Building a New Home?

One of the biggest mistakes we see being made by buyers of new homes is their refusal to purchase a home inspection from a licensed inspector who is not affiliated with the builder. Builders do inspections on their homes as they build them and will often talk about their ten or more step inspection process. However, these inspectors are brought in by the builder. Who do you trust more? Someone on the builder’s payroll or an independent third party that works for you?

When getting a home inspection for a new home, you should opt for a phased inspection as well. These inspections cost somewhat more, but this allows you to inspect the property as it’s being built and at various stages of the process. This allows you a bit more insight into the home as you can inspect things like plumbing, slab, and electric before walls and floors go in (which often cover up any potential problems).  If you are inspecting your plumbing first and think it needs repairs make sure you contact professionals such as plumbers in Edmonds, WA.

They may cost extra money, but home inspections are one of the smartest investments in your home-to-be that you can make. While you’re at it, throw in a wood destroying insect inspection (also called a termite inspection) to check for active infestations as well as conditions conducive to infestation. A few dollars extra will give you peace of mind (and many banks will require them if you’re getting a loan).

image courtesy of justinbaeder

Related Posts

  • 8 Tips For First Time Homebuyers8 Tips For First Time Homebuyers
  • FIRPTA – The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980FIRPTA – The Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980
  • Downpayments: How Much Should You Pay Up Front?Downpayments: How Much Should You Pay Up Front?
  • How To Create Real Estate FOMOHow To Create Real Estate FOMO
  • Things to Do After You Move InThings to Do After You Move In

Filed Under: Buying a Home Tagged With: buying a home, home inspections

Quick Search

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Open Floorplan

Is An Open Floorplan The Right Style For You?

Open floorplan living is often billed as the perfect floor plan, bringing family together in a single room where cooking, conversation and the screen share the same space. It has been a popular feature of a … [Read More...] about Is An Open Floorplan The Right Style For You?

New Kitchen

Nine Mistakes To Avoid With A New Kitchen

No room carries more influence with a buyer than the kitchen because it’s where the everyone gathers and many memories are made. The kitchen can represent up to 20% of the entire value of a property, so it’s … [Read More...] about Nine Mistakes To Avoid With A New Kitchen

House Fire Safety

9 Ways To Avoid Housefires

A fire in your home can happen at any time of the year, but with colder months upon us it’s easy to see how the danger increases with the setting of wood-burning heaters and the use of candles to create a cozy … [Read More...] about 9 Ways To Avoid Housefires

Call A Plumber

Is It Time To Call A Plumber?

As a homeowner, you’ll inevitably have to call in a Sydney plumber to deal with plumbing problems at some stage. It’s one of the ‘pleasures’ of owning property! Choosing the right contractor can feel a little … [Read More...] about Is It Time To Call A Plumber?

First Time Homebuyer

8 Tips For First Time Homebuyers

Being a first time homebuyer can feel quite intimidating – you’ve got to deal with agents, sellers, rival buyers, banks, and title companies. And it’s not always clear what role each of them plays in the … [Read More...] about 8 Tips For First Time Homebuyers

Search Our Site

Real Estate Topics

  • Buying a Home
  • Homeowner Tips
  • KHP News
  • Local Events
  • Local Laws
  • Miscellaneous
  • Mortgages and Financing
  • Open Houses
  • Real Estate
  • Real Estate Market
  • Renters and Landlords
  • San Antonio Places
  • Sell Your Home
  • Technology
Our real estate agents can help you with properties anywhere in Texas. If you need assistance finding agents in other parts of the country, please contact us.

Search Homes

Explore Cities

  • Alamo Heights 34 Listings
  • Bandera 403 Listings
  • Blanco 160 Listings
  • Boerne 638 Listings
  • Bulverde 340 Listings
  • Canyon Lake 365 Listings
  • Castle Hills 21 Listings
  • Castroville 85 Listings
  • Cibolo 354 Listings
  • Comfort 56 Listings
  • Converse 550 Listings
  • Fair Oaks Ranch 69 Listings
  • Floresville 269 Listings
  • Garden Ridge 23 Listings
  • Helotes 200 Listings
  • Hill Country Village 3 Listings
  • La Vernia 184 Listings
  • Lakehills 116 Listings
  • Leon Valley 27 Listings
  • Live Oak 56 Listings
  • Mico 122 Listings
  • New Braunfels 1349 Listings
  • Olmos Park 4 Listings
  • San Antonio 9535 Listings
  • Schertz 277 Listings
  • Seguin 608 Listings
  • Selma 58 Listings
  • Shavano Park 16 Listings
  • Spring Branch 367 Listings
  • Terrell Hills 27 Listings
  • Universal City 68 Listings
  • Windcrest 28 Listings
  • Hollywood Pk 4 Listings

Stay up to date with the latest from Kimberly Howell Properties.

San Antonio real estate and property information provided by Kimberly Howell Properties. Kimberly Howell Properties does not assume any liability or responsibility for the operation or content of any of the linked resources, nor for any of the interpretations, comments, graphics, or opinions contained therein. All information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

KJH Properties, Inc. is a licensed real estate brokerage in the State of Texas, Equal Opportunity Employer, and supporter of the Fair Housing Act.

TREC Information About Brokerage Services | TREC Consumer Protection Notice | Privacy Policy

All content © 2009-2020 Kimberly Howell Properties, unless otherwise noted.