Many people misunderstand the purpose of a home
inspection. The main purpose of a home inspection is to give
you the information needed to make an informed decision on the
purchase.
Most home inspectors focus on the major defects that will cost the
buyer a lot of money above the purchase price to repair. Cosmetic items
are rarely reported. By bringing these major defects to the buyers
attention, the buyer can choose to negotiate with the seller with the
intent on getting the major components repaired or a reduction in the
selling price. This is acceptable and reasonable for the
buyer.
However, I have seen buyers hand the report to the seller and demand
that all the items listed in the report be fixed or they will walk away
from the deal. Another buyer asked me to really pick the house
apart because they wanted me to make the house appear as bad as possible so
they could cheat the seller into greatly reducing their asking price. If
this is your intent for an inspection, please call our office and cancel
the inspection you have scheduled with us. Be sure to tell us why.
Even though I work for my client's best interest, this practice in unfair
to the seller and is unethical for any inspector to agree to
do. Our company will not take part of any situation that is
questionable, dishonest or unethical.
If the seller can not afford to have the repairs corrected, you can
still choose to buy the house with the full knowledge of what repairs are
needed and the cost of the repairs will be your responsibility. Or, you
may decide the cost of repairs is too much, then you can walk away from
the deal and still get your earnest money back provided your contract has
a "sale contingent on inspection" clause.
Our home inspections don't only report on the major defects but will
also include maintenance advice and general knowledge of the workings of
the house. It's always good to know where the water shut-off valve
is or how to change the filter for the furnace and so forth. The report
can be used as a maintenance manual of sorts.
If you have any questions concerning the purpose of a home inspection,
please call our office or email us office@homefrontinspection.com
and an inspector will gladly talk to you.
HomeFront Inspection
303-777-8025
