When buying a new home, the inspection process is perhaps
the most dreaded period for all parties involved. That’s because after
getting so close to a deal, home inspections can potentially make a pending sale fall through.
If a buyer is not in the real estate inspection or
construction industry chances are they’re not too familiar with all the systems
and components that a home inspection covers, how they function, and why they
fail. So buyers might rely heavily on the findings of the inspector to make their buying decision. It is the home inspector's role to provide buyers with reliable information to make such decisions, but that's not always the outcome.
Although in some inspections an inspector may find
major issues within a property that can make a buyer legitimately rethink their purchase, one reason buyers are walking away from the sale is because of issues not properly explained by inexperienced inspectors.
Recently, we completed an inspection for a buyer whose previous sale fell through because their inspector reported that the home contained asbestos. The buyer was evidently bummed out because that was their ideal first home. When asked what testing method their inspector used, he said, "He didn't test, he just said that all homes built before 1970 contained it, and it was a health threat to my kids."
While we don't know if this house actually contained asbestos, we do know that it was a great disservice on the part of an apparently inept inspector to make such statements without all proper information.
An inspector's role is not to assume or predict problems and state them as fact. Their job is to use their knowledge in the field to evaluate and report on the overall condition of the home, find actual problems and concerns, communicate their importance, and refer buyers to the correct professionals who can investigate further and fix needed deficiencies. Using that information, buyers can decide for themselves how they wish to proceed.
Recently, we completed an inspection for a buyer whose previous sale fell through because their inspector reported that the home contained asbestos. The buyer was evidently bummed out because that was their ideal first home. When asked what testing method their inspector used, he said, "He didn't test, he just said that all homes built before 1970 contained it, and it was a health threat to my kids."
While we don't know if this house actually contained asbestos, we do know that it was a great disservice on the part of an apparently inept inspector to make such statements without all proper information.
An inspector's role is not to assume or predict problems and state them as fact. Their job is to use their knowledge in the field to evaluate and report on the overall condition of the home, find actual problems and concerns, communicate their importance, and refer buyers to the correct professionals who can investigate further and fix needed deficiencies. Using that information, buyers can decide for themselves how they wish to proceed.
This is why it is important for buyers to hire an
experienced and knowledgeable home inspector who uncovers true deficiencies, communicates well, educates
them about issues found and provides them with resources to move forward.Truth is, no home is perfect.
As homeowners, it’s important to understand that there will
always be things to do and unexpected repairs will come up at one point or
another. But having a true understanding of the home before buying will help homeowners prevent or mitigate issues.
The key is having a good home inspector who gives the proper
information about issues and knows the difference between a critical issue, a preventive or maintenance issue, or an issue that's just convenient to repair and is able to explain those
differences to buyers so they can make really
informed decisions.
How does a buyer know a good inspector from a bad one? This article provides the Top 5 Things a Good Home Inspector will have.
How does a buyer know a good inspector from a bad one? This article provides the Top 5 Things a Good Home Inspector will have.
