At Leppard Inspections, we understand the significance of maximizing the information you receive in your home inspection report to protect your investment. We know this can be a scary part of your real estate transaction, and we're here to help.
With our expertise in Niagara, we guide homebuyers and home owners in understanding the importance of addressing key issues. Here's how to navigate reading your report and focusing on the most critical items.
As you read through your report, here's what we want you to know:
1. Remember that no home is perfect.
Even new builds have numerous defects that I commonly find during inspections. Owning a home is a long-term commitment and not every item on the inspection report needs immediate attention. You can gradually upgrade and prioritize improvements over time as budget and resources allow. Resist the urge to fix everything before moving in.
Instead, focus on the major items. Prioritize health and safety first by addressing critical health and safety issues identified in the inspection report. These are the items that should take precedence during negotiations and ongoing maintenance/repair plans.
If your home is covered under a warranty program, like a new build home, you can start the process of notifying your builder or making a warranty claim for anything you're covered for. Be sure to check your coverage deadlines!
Treat the rest of your report as an ongoing home maintenance tool. Prioritizing each defect found and addressing them as needed will allow you to prevent small issues from progressing into larger issues, and also allow you to plan repairs so you aren't blindsided by something suddenly breaking down. True story - my furnace died 2 days before Christmas, and I really could have avoided trying to hire an HVAC technician over the holidays (and a very chilly Christmas morning) if I had better planned.
2. Read through the entire report and ensure that you understand what you're reading.
Make notes if you find it helpful. In addition to the report giving you an idea of the state of property before purchase, it will also provide insights you'll need to know for maintaining this property.
Don't be shy, send me an email if you have additional questions after reading your report.
3. Do some research and seek guidance, if needed.
Utilize your agent, home inspector (that's me!), and online resources to understand the typical cost and effort involved in common home inspection findings, and anything important noted in your inspection. Take advantage of available information to make informed decisions during negotiations as well as during maintenance planning.
Utilize the home maintenance guidebook that I gave you during your inspection. Speak to myself and your real estate agent about any referrals you need or would like for these findings.
Leppard Inspections is here to provide expert insights and advice tailored to your needs.
Navigating your home inspection report can be overwhelming, but don't let it scare you. Knowledge is power, and your report is your tool for protecting what could likely be your biggest investment. By researching common findings, seeking expert guidance, and prioritizing critical issues, you'll make informed decisions that ensure your new home is safe and secure. Contact us today for a comprehensive home inspection and personalized advice in Niagara.
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