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After a long search, you’ve finally committed to buying a house in beautiful Southwest Florida! You have been advised to get a home inspection to check out the house. Make the best out of your home inspection period by avoiding the most common mistakes made by home buyers in the Sarasota-Bradenton region. By learning from the mistakes of buyers that came before you, you’ll be sure to avoid their errors and hopefully save some aggravation in the long run.
Mistake #1 – Getting a “Cheap” Home Inspection
Purchasing a home is a major financial commitment. Whether you are a first time home buyer or a seasoned investor, much of your hard-earned money is on the line. Yes, maybe the house has been dressed up with fresh landscaping and a shiny new kitchen but that doesn’t mean there aren’t major hidden problems. Hiring a “cheap and quick” inspector or having “Uncle Joe” check it out will greatly reduce your chance of finding those problems. You’ve done everything right up until now so don’t hire someone who will breeze through your house for a quick buck. Hire a trusted professional that will look out for you. It may save you money down the road.
Mistake #2 – Not Being Present for the Home Inspection
You should look at your home inspection as an opportunity to take a deeper look at the mechanics of your future house. Your Sarasota-Bradenton home will have unique features when compared to homes located elsewhere in the US. If you don’t attend the inspection, you’ll be passing up a great chance to learn about your home. By attending, you’ll see first-hand which issues are major problems and which issues are minor and can be tended to later. While all findings are written in the report, hearing it from your inspector allows you to ask questions right away. Your home inspector can also provide recommendations that can save you time and money.
Mistake #3 – Hiring a Home Inspector Who Is Not Professionally Certified
In choosing your inspector, make sure that he or she is licensed and carries professional certifications. Florida’s top certification organizations like InterNACHI and FABI are excellent resources for finding a home inspector who will do a comprehensive inspection.
Direct Inspections is an InterNACHI member. InterNACHI actually turns down more than 50% of home inspectors who are looking to join, because those inspectors don’t meet the membership requirements. InterNACHI inspectors do more than you would expect from an average home inspector. It’s best to avoid future headaches when it comes to maintaining your home by hiring an inspector who is certified to do a great job the first time.
Mistake #4 – Not Getting a Termite Inspection
When you buy a Sarasota-Bradenton home, it’s important that you get a termite/rodent inspection. Termites can literally eat away at the wooden structure of your home, causing significant damage. Not only do termites feed on wood, but they can also ruin the insulation system in your home. Typically only 10% of a termite colony is visible meaning that 90% is busy eating away at your home’s structure.
Direct Inspections of Sarasota would like to ensure that you are receiving the most complete inspection possible, which is why they schedule a termite/rodent inspector to inspect your home during your full home inspection. The service is complimentary.
Mistake #5 – Expecting Your Home Inspector to Have Superpowers
Keep in mind that while your home inspector is a professional, he or she doesn’t have Psychic Abilities or X-Ray Vision. Inspectors bring their knowledge and experience, but they can’t see everything. They are not able to predict the future or see through walls. There’s no way for that home inspector will know when your air conditioning unit will stop working. Your inspector also won’t be able to tell you exactly how many years your roof has left before it will need replacement. However, they will be able to provide you with average lifespans so that you will know what’s coming up down the road.
Direct Inspections has invested in today’s high-tech tools to provide you with Southwest Florida’s most comprehensive home inspection. Direct Inspections carry tools such as GE Moisture Meters and FLIR Infrared Cameras which can detect moisture in walls and see missing insulation. Ask about adding an Infrared Inspection to your home inspection!
