Property Inspection Basics

A property inspection is a meticulous assessment of the condition of a property that is for sale. It is a total examination of the overall function and safety of a property and its elements. The goal is to make the selling transaction as truthful as possible. Thus, the buyer should know not just the highlights of the property but the ugly parts as well.

Property Inspection Process

The inspector will go over all the important aspects of a property. Below is a list of the areas that will undergo thorough inspection:

• Foundation
• Framing
• Roof and attic
• Drainage and plumbing
• Heating, ventilation, and airconditioning systems
• Electrical systems
• Fireplace and chimney
• Pavement, fences, stairs
• Decks and patios
• Doors and windows
• Walls, ceilings, floors
• Built-in appliances and fixtures (if any)

No property is immune to defects, even newly constructed ones. This makes property inspection something you cannot skip if you want to be sure of your investment.

Property Inspection Report

When the inspection is over, the inspector will create a full-disclosure report about the details surrounding the inspection outcome. Defects will be enumerated with supporting details. With this report, the buyer can be guided on coming up with a repair plan. An inspection may cost hundreds of bucks, but it can save you thousands.

There are several professional property inspectors to choose from in your area. You can rely on referrals or recommendations from friends. This is a smart move as experience is the best standard. If you’re new to the area or have no solid referrals from friends, you can do an online search and look up inspectors that are competent.

With the results often suggesting areas that need repair or maintenance, the natural course of action would be the next step for the buyer. In most cases, repairing the defects around the property would be the seller’s responsibility. The buyer can also use this as a point for negotiation. Most buyers will request for issues to be fixed before closing on the sale. Some sellers, however, will consider repairs as a matter of choice instead of obligation. This can lead to buyers forgetting the deal altogether.

 View Our Sample Property Inspection Report

Further Inspections

An initial inspection may suggest ancillary inspections to confirm some suspicions. The property’s history may also lead to requiring further inspections. Examples would be termite inspection for older properties and mold testing for properties in humid areas. The most important goal to achieve is ensuring the safety of the property as it is meant to be the buyer’s future property. A property inspection is the only way to accomplish this.