Buying a home is a huge commitment, both in terms of time and money.

That’s the main reason why it’s so important for a home buyer to get a professional home inspection. You’ll want to learn as much as you can about the condition of the real estate you’re about to buy, and see if there are potential problems that could lead to huge bills down the road.

Let’s talk about what home inspections are, and a few of the pitfalls home inspections can help you uncover during the home buying process.

What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is exactly what it sounds like – a visual examination of a home’s condition. A home inspector, who is typically certified by the National Association of Home Inspectors, looks at the home and then delivers a written home inspection report.

Certified home inspectors perform non-invasive inspections, which means they aren’t pulling up floors or peeking behind walls. They will keep an eye out for things like plumbing problems, though, including potential water or septic problems. They’ll also look for issues with the home’s electrical work and HVAC systems, damage to roofs and chimneys, exterior issues, and structural problems involving the foundation, windows, and doors.

A typical home inspection will take about two to three hours.

Why you should get a home inspection

1. You’ll get a sense of how much to budget for future repairs and replacements. For example, a home inspector will be able to tell you about the age and condition of things including your roof and major appliances. If they’re decades old, or in poor condition, you’ll know it’s a good idea to start putting money aside for when it’s time to repair or replace them.

2. You’ll be able to identify any potential safety hazards. Home inspectors will keep their eye out for safety concerns like faulty electrical work, mold problems, and dangerously high levels of radon. In the best case scenario, you’ll be able to address those problems with the seller, who may agree to take care of the repairs or reduce the price of the home. In the worst case scenario, you may end up deciding to back out of the purchase – but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

3. You may be able to negotiate a lower cost. On that note, if the home inspection turns up some problems, either big or small, you might be able to use that information to negotiate a better price on the home. Or, you could ask the seller to cover part of or all of your closing costs.

What does a home inspection cost?

The cost of a home inspection will vary depending on where you are located, but according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the cost typically ranges from $300 to $500.

If your home inspection uncovers any plumbing problems that you plan to address as the homeowner, please know that Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is here to help! Contact us online or give us a call today at 1-877-BEN-1776.