What can you expect during a home inspection? Let's run through them briefly.

To start, remember that there are several types of inspections: a general home inspection, a wood-destroying organism inspection, and a four-point and wind mitigation inspection to name a few. None are required by you as a buyer or a seller, but they're highly recommended.

Today, we'll focus on the general inspection.

It consists of the roof, the heating and air elements, the mechanicals of the home from the appliances to the windows, and all the way down to the home's foundation. You're not required to be there during the inspection, but it is a good idea. You can ask any questions or voice any concerns you have about the home.

It's important to choose a licensed and certified inspector. Once they inspect the house, they'll take lots of photos and notes to point out issues. All homes will have issues, some major, some minor. After the inspection, they will give you a PDF form with all the pictures and recommendations for repairs. It's important to go through this report with a fine-toothed comb and talk to your Realtor about the problems you might want to have fixed.

"It's always better to find out what you are going to buy rather than finding out what you have bought."

For the repairs, you have two options. You can either negotiate with the seller to have them make the repairs or they can give you pre-paid closing costs for them. We always advise our clients to look at the major components of the inspections like the heating and cooling systems and the roof, for example. If there's a leak in the roof or a foundation issue, you'll definitely want to have them fixed.

The inspection period will generally take place within seven to 15 days after going under contract. During this time, the buyer can have any type of inspection performed. It's always better to find out what you are going to buy rather than finding out what you have bought.

If you have any questions about home inspections of any type of you're thinking about buying or selling a home, give us a call or send us an email soon. We'd be happy to help!