Home inspection is a process that looks at the structural integrity of a home. It’s often used as a contingency in a real estate contract to allow buyers to back out of a sale if significant problems are uncovered, read more to explore the topic.

A qualified home inspector will walk through the entire home, looking at everything from the foundation to the roof to the plumbing and electrical systems. They will check that the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system is functioning properly and look for carbon monoxide leaks or other hazardous issues that need to be addressed right away. The inspector will also examine the kitchen appliances, the garage door and the chimney, checking that they’re all in good working condition and don’t pose any safety hazards for the family.

The inspection will last around two to three hours for single-family homes and longer for multi-family homes or co-op apartments. The inspector will not open walls, but if they suspect there might be an issue behind a wall they can’t reach they may recommend a specialized inspection for Radon, termite infestations, asbestos, lead piping or paint, mold and other dangerous substances.

One of the most important things a buyer can do is to attend the inspection. This will give them a chance to see what the inspector is talking about first hand and ask questions. This will help them understand what the issues are and how serious they are. This will give them a better idea of how much to negotiate with the seller.

In addition, buyers should always read the home inspection report carefully. The report will list the problems found in the house. Buyers can then decide how many of the issues they want to try to get the seller to fix before closing. According to De Vivo, buyers can request a price decrease or credit on the purchase or ask the seller to hire professionals to make the repairs.

Depending on the issue, the buyer will also have to decide whether or not they are comfortable with the property as is. For example, if the house has major structural problems, the buyer might decide that they can’t afford to pay for it and would be happier finding another home.

De Vivo suggests that homebuyers work with their realtors to determine how to handle the issues uncovered in the inspection. This will help them understand how to best negotiate with the seller and what to expect when it comes to a potential future repair bill.

When it comes to a home inspection, the buyer doesn’t have any mandatory fixes they need to impose on the seller. However, some issues might be deal breakers for a buyer, and they would have to ask the seller to fix them before they’re able to move forward with the transaction. These might include foundational or plumbing fixes that could be costly.