Whether you've just made an offer on a home or you're about to put yours on the market, a home inspection can provide you with invaluable information on the present condition of a home, as well as the potential problems that might arise in the future.
And while the resulting report will likely include most, if not all, of the home's major issues and the repairs needed to fix them, reading through it on your own isn't nearly as useful as attending the inspection in person—especially if you're the buyer. But what, exactly, do you gain from taking time out of your busy schedule to be present at your home inspection? I spoke with Mike Powell, P.E., CPI, a home inspector at Red Flag Home Inspection in Tampa, Florida, to find out.
Why you should attend your home inspection
While some people view home inspections as a formality, a safeguard against unknowingly purchasing a home with serious and costly problems, or a way of obtaining written proof that an issue exists, they're so much more than that. Think of home inspections as an investment, and skipping yours as not taking full advantage of the service, and essentially, leaving money on the table.
Still not convinced? Here are a few of the benefits of attending your home inspection, courtesy of Powell:
Real-time recommendations
You can learn a lot about a home by reading the inspection report, but you can learn even more if your inspector offers real-time advice on minor improvements or modifications that can make the home safer and more efficient—including those typically left out of the reports. When else will you receive this kind of personalized guidance?
Asking questions
Now's your chance to have a professional answer the questions you have about your home. "I welcome questions from homebuyers during the inspection, as it's a valuable opportunity for them to gain insights and clarity about the property," says Powell. "However, to ensure the inspection process is smooth and nothing is overlooked, it's recommended to save questions for breaks in the action or after the inspection."
Learning how systems operate
When buyers attend their inspection, it gives them the opportunity to learn how to operate various systems and components in the home, like the HVAC system, thermostat, water heater, and security features. "Sprinkler systems tend to be particularly tough for most home buyers, while easy to navigate for most home inspectors," Powell says. "This firsthand knowledge can contribute to smoother homeownership."
Locate shut-off valves and breakers
Inspections are the perfect time for buyers to ask about and learn the locations of important shut-off valves, circuit breakers, and emergency controls. "Knowing these key points is crucial for quick responses in case of emergencies or needed repairs," Powell explains.
Hands-on demonstrations
Being present at your home inspection is also a chance for some visual learning; for instance, instead of simply describing how your HVAC system works, your inspector can walk you through the processes involved with operating and maintaining it. Also, being there in person allows the inspector to show you exactly where any problems are located, and the extent of the damage, if any.
"Have you ever emailed someone with paragraphs of explanation, only to show them the same instruction in seconds?" Powell says. "This can be similar when applied to a building defect. Seeing it in person will always deliver more effectively than photographs."
Prioritize repairs
Getting a long list of the repairs and improvements you home needs can be overwhelming, and can leave buyers unsure of where to start. "By witnessing the inspector's assessment, buyers can better understand the severity of identified issues," says Powell. "This understanding helps in prioritizing repairs based on urgency and budget constraints."
Building a relationship with the inspector
Establishing a good rapport with your inspector will not only make it easier to ask questions and communicate more openly with them during the inspection, it might be useful in the future, as well. "This relationship may extend beyond the inspection, allowing buyers to seek advice or clarification post-purchase," says Powell.
Clarify inspection terminology
Like other professions, home inspection has its own jargon, and the inspector may use it in the report. "Attending the inspection gives buyers the opportunity to ask for explanations, ensuring they fully comprehend the terminology used and the implications of various findings," Powell explains.