7 Common Misconceptions About Housing Inspections
It’s easy to misinterpret home inspections as some sort of intense “pass or fail” test that will ultimately dictate whether or not you can buy or sell a house. While they’re certainly an important aspect to the housing market process, property inspections aren’t necessarily an “end all” means to determining whether or not a house is suitable to sell or buy.
In fact, up until the mid-1970s, housing inspections didn’t even exist, let alone be mandated. But over the years, property inspections have become an integral part of the housing market with surveys indicating that approximately 88% of home buyers utilize real estate inspection services.
If you’re nervous or intimidated about a pending or possible housing inspection, it’s important to truly comprehend the process of a professional home inspection, which is intended to be a way to help homeowners get a better sense of the general condition of their house. To quell any preconceived notions or concerns, let’s examine seven common misconceptions about housing inspections and where the truth lies in terms of those fallacies.
1. Only Old Homes Need Home Inspections
If a house is brand new, it surely doesn’t need a property inspection, right? It’s a simple assumption many people make that only older homes can truly benefit from an inspection, but quite the contrary is true.
While the condition of older homes is arguably easier to evaluate for property inspectors, it’s important to think of newer homes on the market like new cars. Before any car hits the market, rigorous tests are performed upon them to ensure their safety, security, and performance. The same applies for new homes. While the construction, materials, flooring, siding, roofing, and appliances may all be brand new, they need to still be examined for their durability, performance, and condition before handing over the keys to a homebuyer.
2. Only Home Buyers Need Housing Inspections
Anyone who’s purchased a new home has probably considered scheduling a housing inspection for their new property—if not already utilized those services. But those selling their home can truly benefit from a professional property inspection, as well.
For starters, pre-listing inspections help home sellers understand their house’s overall condition, allowing them to make any necessary property repairs or changes so they can get as much value for their listing as possible. Houses on the market that have already been inspected tend to sell faster as well, because they can come off as more credible and valid.
3. These Inspections Take Forever to Schedule
What can turn some people off to housing inspections is the assumption that they can’t schedule an appointment as quickly and soon as they want. Quite the opposite is true, as booking an appointment for a housing inspection has never been easier and more flexible.
Scheduling a housing inspection can be as easy as filling out an online contact form, picking a date and time, and taking a few minutes to submit some personal information. Best of all, most property inspections only take a couple hours to complete, with many inspectors offering same-day reporting and assessments.
4. The House Inspection Report Is Complicated
As long as you can read, you’ll be able to easily comprehend your home inspector’s report. Professional housing inspectors won’t go over your head with extensive vocabulary or technical terminology.
Instead, they’ll review their report with you in-person, answering any questions or concerns you may have, while also offering insight or recommendations for any necessary repairs or adjustments that need to be made. They’ll even provide you with an electronic copy of their reporting to ensure everything is clarified post-inspection.
5. I Won’t Be Able To Buy or Sell After a Home Inspection
As alluded to earlier, housing inspections are not a test to whether you can buy or sell a house, nor are they even an evaluation of whether a house is up to code. Instead, they are a general assessment of the property, providing a detailed report on the overall condition of the house and noting any deficiencies that should be addressed.
In the end, housing inspections are intended to provide home buyers or sellers with reassurance and knowledge of the property rather than potentially having to deal with any housing issues later on down the road.
6. If My Home Fails an Inspection, I Can't Sell It
While many homes "pass" the home inception, some don't go through the process without revealing some major concerns. But, failing isn't always as big of a problem as you'd think. There isn't a cut-and-dried pass-versus-fail system. Instead, the home inspector will point out if there are huge concerns. These are usually issues with the foundation, electrical writing, plumbing, or mold.
In these cases, you can still buy or sell the home. As a buyer, you'll possibly be able to negotiate a better deal, and as the seller you'll know what to fix to get more money for your property.
7. All Home Inspection Flaws Are a Big Issue
Suppose you attend a home inspection or read through the report. In that case, you may start to feel like every single issue is a significant problem. However, most of the time, there are a lot of minor issues that you don't need to worry too much about. A good home inspector does need to be thorough, and you want them to check every detail of the home and property. However, even well-made, secure homes can have tiny issues here and there.
For the most part, these are cosmetic or barely noticeable, so don't get overwhelmed. Instead, ask the inspector to point out potentially significant issues that could cost a lot of money to repair or become an issue down the road.
Contact DMC for Professional Property Inspection Services
If you’re looking for peace of mind and an honest opinion of a house you’re interested in buying or selling, DMC Home Inspections is here to help. Our mission is to inspect the unexpected with your property, and help you reach its full potential.
Whenever you need professional property inspection services, contact DMC Home Inspections to schedule an appointment online, or give us a call at 612-310-1692 to speak directly with one of our housing inspectors.