Buying a home is biggest investments most people will ever make. The most concerning risk is structural damage or defects that may exist within the property. Problems like a cracked foundation, deteriorating floor joists, or termite damage in the wall framing can be extremely costly to repair properly. These types of structural flaws often worsen over time if left unchecked as well.
While some structural red flags may be visible to an untrained eye, like sloping floors or cracked drywall, many others can be nearly impossible to spot without the proper expertise and tools. For example, termites silently eat away at wood framing from the inside, while foundation settling can create hairline cracks imperceptible to the casual observer. A certified home inspector knows exactly what signs to look for and how to thoroughly evaluate the structural integrity.
The roof and exterior components like siding, windows, and trim are also extremely important areas that deserve a close evaluation. Roofs are very expensive to replace, with costs often running $10,000 or more depending on the size, pitch, and materials. If the existing roof is reaching the end of its typical lifespan, the estimated remaining years until replacement is crucial.
Outdated systems & components
When purchasing an older home, there’s also the risk of inheriting outdated, inefficient or poorly maintained major systems and components that will need upgrading or replacement shortly after move-in.
- HVAC systems (heating, air conditioning & ductwork)
- Water heaters
- Electrical service panels & wiring
- Plumbing supply & drain lines
- Appliances like ovens, cooktops & dishwashers
These replacements and renovations add up to massive unexpected costs, tens of thousands of dollars in many cases. Without an inspection, you’d be left unaware and likely underestimating your investment in deferred maintenance and upgrades to bring things up to current standards. Properties with renovations or additions from previous owners may have code violations or work that was done without proper permits. These issues cause major headaches and expensive alteration requirements down the road when looking to sell, refinance, or obtain insurance on the home Discover More about building inspections in Sydney by visiting vitalbuildinginspection.com.au.
Some common examples are renovated spaces without adequate egress or Fire exits, work performed on electrical, plumbing or HVAC systems outside of code, or finished basements that don’t meet minimum ceiling heights. An inspector is trained to identify these problem areas so you decide how to move forward – obtaining proper permits, making alterations to bring things up to code, or potentially walking away from the deal. Getting a professional home inspection gives you the invaluable benefit of having an objective, knowledgeable third party provides a comprehensive analysis. The inspector does not have an interest in whether or not the sale goes through.
Cost of a home inspection
Compared to the potential risks outlined above, the cost of a quality home inspection is a small price to pay for the protection it provides. Depending on your geographic location, size of the home, and other factors, you expect to pay somewhere $300 – $600 on average for a full property inspection by a certified professional. This nominal fee is a bargain when you consider the amount of money you could save by having repair needs identified upfront, along with the added peace of mind and negotiating leverage that comes with it. For most buyers, it’s simply not worth gambling on such a huge investment by choosing to forgo an inspection.