When you are buying a home, there is nothing more important than having the proper inspections done to ensure that it is safe and structurally sound. Home inspections are critical because the inspector will be looking for things like water damage, mold growth, and other issues that can significantly impact the value of your home.
If you’re wondering whether you need to be present during the home inspection by an Orlando home inspector, keep reading to understand more.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an evaluation of the condition of a property, which is done by a licensed inspector.
There are two types of home inspections; either a buyer’s inspection or a seller’s inspection, depending on who schedules it.
A buyer’s inspection is often organized after the buyer has put down an offer for the house but before officially closing the sale. The aim is to inform the buyer of potential issues, and the buyer often renegotiates the price after learning about possible repairs that have to be done.
On the other hand, a seller’s inspection is usually scheduled before the house goes on the market. The seller schedules an inspection to find out potential issues that they can rectify before putting the house up for sale.
Do I Need to Be Present During a Home Inspection?
In most cases, it isn’t necessary for you or anyone else not involved in the purchase of the house to be there. Generally, though, whichever party (the buyer or the seller) scheduled the home inspection should be present. However, anyone is actually allowed to be present and no one has the right to forbid the other party to be present.
In some cases, the seller’s agent may request that someone from your side be present as well. This can happen if they agreed on a home inspection contingency in their contract and want to ensure that you follow through with what was discussed during negotiations.
Most home buyers choose to be present during a home inspection so that they can ask questions. The seller of the house will have to give you written notice if they don’t want you there, but this would generally only apply in cases where it wasn’t disclosed before your purchase.
What is a Home Inspection Like?
During the inspection, an inspector will do a thorough walkthrough of the house. They may bring tools like flashlights and screwdrivers to make sure that everything is working properly. For example, they might need to climb on top of roofs or go inside attics to check for electrical wiring insulation damage.
If you are buying the home, it is vital to make sure that there are no major structural issues with the house. This can be expensive and time-consuming if you find out only after moving in.
There are seven major elements that a home inspector will check during a typical inspection. These include water damage, structural issues, roof structural integrity, electrical systems, plumbing issues, infestations, and HVAC system problems.
What Don’t Home Inspectors Look Out For?
There are some things that a home inspector won’t cover. For example, they will not check if the appliances work or how clean the house is. They also don’t verify the accuracy of the information provided in listings, including square footage and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms.
As always, it is essential to ensure that there aren’t any significant issues with the house. If you are buying a home, ensure that it is safe and structurally sound before signing on the dotted line.
Conclusion
Overall, there’s no firm rule about having to be present during a home inspection. When you hire a reliable, professional home inspector, you can rest assured that the work will be carried out effectively. However, it could benefit a home buyer to be present to ask questions. In general, though, whoever scheduled the home inspection should be present.