Home inspections are conducted for various reasons. For most, a home inspection occurs when you buy a home and the buyer would like to know if there are any issues with the structure and systems of the home. In other cases, the home inspection can be done by a homeowner who would just like to know the condition of their home after so many years of ownership. This allows them to save money for potential repairs. Who attends a home inspection? It is generally recommended for only the buyer’s agent and buyer attend the home inspection.
Let’s take a look below at some more information regarding a home inspection.
Why Do I Need One
Home inspections serve many purposes. In most cases, they are used when a homeowner is selling their home. The buyer will push to get the home inspected to ensure that all major systems of the home are in great working condition. Additionally, a homeowner that has lived in a home for 5 years or more, might decide to conduct a home inspection. This allows them to see what might be needing repairs soon and to save money for those projects.
What Is Inspected
Believe it or not, a home inspection is not always equal. Depending on the company, a home inspection can amount to a variety of categories being inspected. Additionally, depending on the type of inspection requested will determine what is inspected at that time. If you hire a company like Blue Guardian Home Inspections you can rest assured that 9 major categories will be inspected. Let’s take a look at what those categories are.
- Roofing
- Plumbing
- Structural
- Exterior
- Attic Space
- Insulation and Ventilation
- Electrical
- HVAC
- Other interior systems
Getting the right company to conduct your home inspection is key to the success of any home sale or the longevity of a home. One of the many great things about a home inspection is that you get a very detailed report with hundreds of items checked and inspected as well as pictures to support the findings. Additionally, some companies will use a drone tool to gain access to hard-to-reach places, even by using a ladder.
How Long Does It Take
As a homeowner or buyer/seller of a home, you should anticipate a good 2 to 3 hours of your day dedicated to a home inspection. In order for a home inspection team to conduct a thorough inspection job, they will need that time. Also, if the home is larger, older, and in poor condition, the inspection time could increase. Always keep in mind that the size, age, and condition of the home will dictate how long the inspection will take.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you understand who attends a home inspection and why you might want to have some questions ready for the home inspection team. Make sure to read up on some top questions for a home inspector.
Next, consider when to conduct the home inspection. In many cases, a home inspection will be conducted after a major storm. Most importantly a roof inspection should be conducted after a hail or major wind storm. This ensures that you know what damage might have occurred.
Lastly, many home inspection companies have upgraded their technology. As stated, Blue Guardian Home Inspections utilizes Drones to assist with their inspections. Additionally, many companies will utilize thermal imaging. This would be a great time to read up on how home inspectors use thermal imaging to assist with their inspections.
When Do I Call A Professional
Having a home inspection done is a vital part of maintaining the structural soundness of your home. Knowing ahead of time what repairs might be needed allows you to save money. Whether you are buying a home and the inspection finds a major issue that saves you thousands, or you are just looking to find out how your older home is holding up, a home inspection is a great idea. Call on your local home inspection team to come out and assess all major systems of your home.
Conclusion
Although homeowners have the ability to inspect their own homes. Often they are unaware of what to look for and how various systems work together in a home. In order to ensure that all systems are properly inspected, hire a local home inspector. Reach out to Blue Guardian Home Inspections for a full home inspection in Kendall, Kane, Dupage, and LaSalle Counties of Illinois.
