Think of them as one of the last lines of defense before you close on a house.
Heres everything you gotta know about hiring a home inspector.
What is a Home Inspector?
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A home inspector is basically a professional discoverer, says RealtorDylan Lennon.
Their job is to carefully audit the major systems and document any problems or insufficiencies they find.
This will include everything from the plumbing in the bathrooms down to the smallest electrical outlet.
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Furthermore, theyll identify any components in need of repair or further evaluation.
This is where having a good inspector on your side really comes in handy.
Home inspectors provide a safety net for homebuyers who arent experts in construction, says Long.
Hiring a home inspector could save a buyer huge amounts of money, says Long.
What does a home inspection cost?
Generally about$281 to $402.
How to Hire a Home Inspector
First rule: Find one you trust.
Be wary of hiring an inspector through the seller.
While most inspectors have a standard list, this can vary based on your location and their accreditations.
Reviewing the inspection contract prior to hiring an inspector can avoid a lot of heartache later, says Lennon.
Most contract agreements have a series of built-in protections for the buyer, also called objections.
These allow buyers to get out of the contract (penalty free) at various points in the process.
Make note of anything concerning, and pass these concerns along to your home inspector beforehand.
Contributor Larissa Runkle frequently writes on finance, real estate, and lifestyle topics for The Penny Hoarder.
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