An inspection costs about $300, on average, and up to $1,000 for a big job and takes two hours or more.
Ask to be present during the inspection, because you will learn a lot about your house, including its overall condition, construction materials, wiring, and heating. If the inspector turns up major problems, like a roof that needs to be replaced, then ask your lawyer or agent to discuss it with the seller.
You will either want the seller to fix the problem before you move in, or deduct the cost of the repair from the final price. If the seller won't agree to either remedy you may decide to walk away from the deal, which you can do without penalty if you have that contingency written into the contract.If you’re considering an area with a homeowners association, it may be prudent to require a copy of the HOA guidelines before you buy.
Step Nine: Get an inspection
In addition to the appraisal that the mortgage lender will require of your home, you should hire your own home inspector.
The home inspection gives the buyer the right to order a professional home inspection and back out of the sale if major unreported damage is found.
Attorneys write into the sales contract a home inspection clause. This clause gives the homebuyer the right to go upon the property and enter the home with a home inspector of the purchaser’s choice to carefully evaluate and inspect the house that is being sold.
