Like how an annual medical checkup is needed to ensure optimal health, a residential property assessment through inspections is vital to determine its physical state. According to the American Society of Home Inspections, a home inspection is simply a visual evaluation of the condition of real property such as a flat, apartment, condo unit, or house.
After a home inspection, a report will be written, describing the conditions of the building or space and identifying which areas are in critical need of repair, replacement, or restoration.
Home Inspections
The coverage of a typical home inspection report varies depending on the inspector, but it commonly includes the status of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical systems, plumbing, as well as structural components like the walls, ceilings, roof, floors, windows, doors, foundation and every room.
Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, having an inspection done is essential to ensure that the space is kept in tip-top shape. It’s also best to hire a professional to do home inspections in Utah or wherever your state of residence is since they have the expertise to properly inspect every nook and cranny. You can even ask for estimates of the necessary repairs to be done since they have knowledge in this area. Below, we’ll discuss instances when a home inspection is crucially needed.
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Move-in
At least a week before you move into a residential property, ask for a thorough inspection. Your landlord will surely comply with this request. An inspection allows you to know whether the space is in a good physical condition so you can request for repairs and avoid hassles. Who would want to arrive in a new home, totally exhausted from the travel, only to find out that the electrical system is busted or the sink is clogged?
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Move out
Before a tenant moves out, it’s vital that an inspection is conducted as well to determine if there are any damages that need attention. As a landlord, you can also demand the occupant to pay a portion, especially if the damage is not from natural wear and tear, but is caused by an incident involving him or her.
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Selling
If you’re going to sell a property, an inspection is an indispensable step that cannot be skipped because the report will be used to set the selling price. It’s also the best time to assess the features of the property that you want to highlight to boost the cost.
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Purchasing
Some aspects can be a deal-breaker if you’re planning to buy a home. For instance, a less than satisfactory flooring or old wooden ceilings can ruin a property’s chances of being purchased. An inspection also enables you to know if the property is reasonably priced or you are being ripped off.
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Complaints
If you are a landlord who received complaints from a tenant about certain physical damage, it will be best to have it checked. Of course, it’s not likely that your tenant will lie about it, but most of the time, to an untrained eye, the damage looks far worse or less dire than it really is. Plus, you can settle an agreement with your tenant if they will handle the repair costs, which will be deducted from the rent, or if you will be in charge of the repair.
Home inspections are essential for the maintenance and upkeep of a property. Moreover, hiring an expert inspector is a better option than a DIY route.
