Top Quality Home Inspections Philadelphia PA

What Happens Before, During, and After a Home Inspection

Whether you’re buying your first home or you’re an experienced homeowner, understanding the home inspection process is critical. A brief overview of what happens before, during, and after a home inspection will shed light on the value of new home building inspections in Philadelphia, PA, and why inspections are so important.

Before the Inspection

Once you’ve found your home and had an offer accepted, the work of obtaining a mortgage and finalizing the deal begins. Most banks and mortgage companies recommend a home inspection as part of the loan process. Sometimes a WDI can be required by your mortgage company or bank, depending on the loan.

The lender, after all, is investing in the property and has a right to make certain the investment is sound. As a buyer, you should share these concerns and want to make certain that your money is going towards a home that is free from significant safety or structural problems.

While the buyer arranges and pays for the inspection, the seller has important responsibilities prior to the scheduled visit, including the following:

  • Make sure all keys are available. This includes house keys as well as keys to sheds, detached garages, locked interior rooms, etc.
  • Ensure that the power is on and that appliances and equipment are connected to power so they can be tested.
  • Clear the path to HVAC units, water heaters, exterior walls, and other areas the inspector needs to examine.
  • Collect and make available important documents relating to repairs, permits, remodeling, warranties, etc.

It’s in the seller’s interest to prepare carefully for the inspection. If the inspector can’t complete the job the first time, a return visit will need to be rescheduled, which will delay the sale.

During the Inspection

The home inspector will arrive with equipment and a camera. He or she will assess the home thoroughly and carefully, looking specifically for safety issues or significant problems that affect the integrity or value of the home. You can expect the inspector to do the following;

  • Inspect systems and components inside and out, including HVAC, plumbing, and electrical
  • Examine the crawl space and attic as applicable
  • Operate appliances and equipment
  • Inspect the roof
  • Open and close windows and doors
  • Look for signs of water damage, pest infestations, or other issues
  • Test outlets, switches, and lights
  • Inspect the insulation

Inspectors take thorough notes and document their findings with photographs, all of which will be included in the final report. Home inspections take time; the amount depends on the age of the home and its overall condition.

Your home inspector may advise that certain features be inspected separately. Special features of the house, such as pools, might require extra attention. We provide residential roofing inspections in Philadelphia, PA, as part of standard inspections, but if the roof is old or has visible damage, a dedicated roofing inspection is often recommended.

During the inspections, sellers should plan to be away, but buyers should plan to present. The inspection is an ideal time to look through the home and ask an expert questions about owning that particular home. Children and pets may be present during a home inspection, but it’s best to have as little distractions as possible while the inspection is happening.

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After the Inspection

Immediately following the inspection, the inspector will take the time to review their findings with the buyer. This review will hit the highlights and give you the opportunity to ask questions and get the explanations you need to proceed. The final report will come within three days, but many are available sooner. At Eagle, our reports are written in clear language and include high-res images. We’re also available to answer any questions about our findings.

Sometimes inspections uncover issues that need to be addressed before the sale can be closed. Buyers and sellers need to meet at the negotiating table to discuss remedies. For buyers, there are three general options:

  • Ask the seller to make the repairs
  • Ask for a price concession, so you can make the repairs yourself
  • Walk away from the deal

Whatever you choose, you can make a choice with confidence, thanks to a quality home inspection.

Helping Buyers Every Step of the Way

Eagle Inspections helps buyers every step of the way. Our skilled, trained, professional inspectors will evaluate the home and provide objective assessments you can use now and in the future. Trust Eagle Inspections. Call us today.