Buying a house, home inspection is essential.

Home inspection

It is one of the indispensable contingencies of the offer contract. When the buyer and seller sign the approved contract, the first thing the buyer does is to have the house inspected by a licensed home inspector.

Home inspection fee

The inspection fee is paid by the buyer and the price depends on the price of the house, usually a few hundred dollars. The higher the price of the house, the more expensive the inspection fee.

The basic process of home inspection

1. it takes about 2-3 hours for the house inspector to inspect the house.

2. After the inspection, the inspector has to fill out a detailed inspection report, including the condition of the house, which equipment may have problems, remaining life, how to maintain, etc.

3. The buyer's agent writes a home inspection attachment for the buyer based on the inspection report and gives it to the seller's agent within the validity period of the home inspection rider, which is usually seven days.

4. The seller shall reply within three days upon receipt of the home inspection rider, whether he agrees to repair or pay the corresponding repair fee.

5. After receiving the seller's reply, the buyer should also reply within three days.

6. After both parties agree, the home inspection rider is cancelled.



So, when a home inspector inspects a house, what are they inspecting? Here are the key things the inspector will check:

1. The roof

The inspector will usually climb a ladder to the roof to check it out. If there is a leak for any reason, such as a clogged drain, the water will flow directly down the exterior wall from the roof.

2.Foundation

There are many kinds of foreign foundations, the best being reinforced concrete, followed by concrete blocks, and finally loose stone foundations.

3. Pumps and culverts

Many people install drainage pumps as a precaution against heavy rains or floods. If no houses have been flooded in the past, the key still depends on the topography.

4. Termite Inspection

The main building material of American houses is wood, and termites are pests that destroy wood structures. Termite inspection can be one of the additional clauses in the offer contract. If you want to get a loan to buy a house, the bank must ask for a termite inspection. Detached houses, multi-story houses, and apartment buildings below the third floor should be inspected.

5. Mold

Mold grows mainly because of humidity, especially when the house is covered by large trees and is cool all year round.

6. Others

The inspector will also check the washing machine, furnace, lights, etc. What is more important is the wiring of the house circuit, the waterproofing of the bathroom for leaks, the big trees near the house, etc. If there are problems, these areas will cost more to repair.