Whenever potential buyer hears the word “home inspection,” they think of the added cost to the significant price of buying a property. But that doesn’t paint the complete picture. Think of it like this – would you buy a car without a test drive? Typically, consumers want to inspect a product or commodity before purchasing it. This is evident even during apparel shopping, a significantly less costly purchase than a house. 

What you see on the outside can often be deceptive. As a buyer, finding all the problems hidden behind a shiny surface is impossible. It would help significantly if you had professional help trained to pick up on the minutest details with industry knowledge and experience.

With a thorough inspection, potential buyers can be aware of issues with the house before making a decision. It reduces the element of surprise and helps homebuyers plan their finances accordingly. Most importantly, critical damage immediately comes to light, impacting the purchase price. The following section dives into why you should consider a home inspection before buying a new house.

A professional and unbiased opinion

A home inspector will not sugarcoat the truth, nor would they be obliged to put forth a biased and deceptive viewpoint like the sellers. Even if your property is in a well-established area and things look expensive from the outside, underlying structural defects and issues can become a massive pain in the future. 

A home inspector knows where to look and will give you the no-nonsense gist of the quality of building materials, plumbing, foundation, electrical system, and much more. This is particularly important in Florida, given the state’s rapidly changing climate and proximity to the ocean. Every year, homes in Orlando are severely impacted by the weather and changes to the soil. So, it’s essential to get a home inspector in Orlando to evaluate a property for structural soundness is essential.

Avoid buyer’s regret

You do not want to spend only a sizable chunk of your savings to purchase a property you dislike. After making the purchase, many buyers suffer from regret because previously unseen issues start becoming a problem. This means spending more money to fix a house you just bought. However, you can avoid this potential avalanche with some effort and planning. A home inspection checks for molds, pest infestations, plumbing issues, and everything else that is not always visible to the naked eye. Professional mold inspectors in Orlando give you tremendous insight into a property’s value. Mold is a deadly pest and can quickly take over a house if not controlled immediately. 

Get an estimated budget for future costs

Your new house will likely require some adjustments. A home inspector will give you a detailed property analysis so you can adequately manage your budget to enhance your new home. Even if no structural changes need to be made, the beautification will take up some part of the budget. You can adjust the variables based on the home inspector’s report.

Gain leverage in bargaining

Typically, sellers try to upsell the property by claiming its value is higher than it is worth. Should the inspector find grave issues with the property, you will have significant leverage in bargaining the purchase price. Nothing will be hidden from a professional home inspector conducting scrutinizing analysis. The primary point of hiring a home inspector is to find issues in the property. This report serves as an official counterpoint to the seller’s price.

Detect WDO problems

WDO stands for Wood Destroying Organisms. This can be anything from termites to carpenter ants. Fungal damage and dry rots also fall under WDO. If undetected, your home can be destroyed in months, and the deterioration will become irreparable. This is especially devastating if you purchase a dream house and discover these issues after moving in. Beyond property damage, this will harm the health of those staying in the house. Typically, problems with a property are always dynamic. They compound quickly. This means WDO can lead to mold, which can weaken the foundation.

Helps in new construction

This might be known to a few, but a home inspection can help a buyer with new construction. If you are planning on getting a home constructed from scratch or extending part of an existing property, It will be wise to consider an inspection. That way, you can ensure that there is no foul play by the builder and you are getting your money’s worth. You can also ensure the construction follows local building codes to avoid future penalties.

Get approved for homeowner’s insurance

You must first have homeowner’s insurance to get a mortgage on your property. Every insurance company would require a 4-point home inspection before discussing the terms of your mortgage. Insurance agencies need a thorough home inspection for all the reasons mentioned above. The bank would require proof of the property’s structural integrity and future liabilities. It is highly recommended to follow this protocol even if you don’t need a mortgage on your new property.

Save money on insurance premiums.

You can be eligible for a discount on insurance premiums by getting a home inspection. Even a basic review by a licensed professional will suffice. You might have to fix some issues post-inspection, but this will raise the value of your property and help you save money on expensive premiums for an extended period. 

Conclusion

A home is a lifelong dream for many. Buyers save up hard-earned money for years to finally afford a property of their liking. Hence, disappointment is significant if issues start sprouting as soon as new buyers move in. In Florida, houses are often subjected to severe weather conditions. Given the damp climate and possibilities of floods (minor and major), it is highly recommended that all buyers consider a home inspection before purchasing any property. The benefits outweigh the cost.