When you are buying a Columbus home, one of the essential steps in the process includes obtaining a home inspection. Because there can be some confusion about what a home inspection is, and what it covers, we are going to talk about it here!
The Role and Limits of the Ohio Home Inspector
Why do you need a home inspection? While signs of neglect are sometimes obvious, it can be difficult to know the difference between cosmetic issues and a real problem. We also have distressed homes on the market that have “deferred maintenance” – a polite way of saying that the homeowner was unable keep up with repairs. A home inspection can detect problems that may otherwise escape the untrained eye.
It’s important to understand that a home inspection is not the same thing as a home warranty. The inspection looks at the overall home condition as-is, at the time of inspection, without making any promises about future durability.
As the home buyer, you choose the home inspector and pay for the cost. However, your home inspector is a neural, third party in the transaction. He or she cannot offer an opinion on whether or not you should buy the home. Nor can your inspector offer an opinion about the home price.
When choosing a home inspector, you should screen them through the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any unresolved complaints against them. The State of Ohio does not require home inspectors to be licensed.
Fortunately, professional industry organizations such as the National Association of Home Inspectors and the Ohio Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors provide guidelines and training requirements to assure some uniform standards.
What Your Columbus Home Inspection Should Cover
Your Columbus home inspection is a visual, non-invasive evaluation of the property. Your inspector will not take anything apart in the home, nor attempt to enter areas that are not openly accessible. Here are the general areas they examine:
- Exterior
- Roofing
- Structure
- Foundation
- Heating
- Cooling
- Plumbing
- Electrical
There are other tests that are available for an additional cost. You can check for termites, lead-based paint, mold, radon gas, asbestos, and even bedbugs. If you have concerns in these areas, be sure to request them when scheduling the home inspection, and ask about the additional fees. Also ask about the technology used by the inspector. Some inspectors have infrared cameras that can look into walls to detect pests. The more elaborate the inspection, the more expensive it will be.
Finally, make every effort to be present at the inspection and take notes! If there are any repair issues discovered, don’t be alarmed. No home is completely perfect. If any significant issues are found, we can help you negotiate these with the home seller.
Your Columbus Home Buying Resource
As your Exclusive Buyer’s Brokerage we continually share information to help our Columbus home buyers! Our professional network includes a wide array of industry experts, such as home inspectors and mortgage lenders, and we share these resources with you as part of our service. In the meantime, please download our free e-book for important home buying tips and strategies!
If you are buying a home in Columbus, OH, be sure to have professional representation on your side! Our services are free of charge to you, and we will be happy to explain how this works. Contact us for expert home buying guidance!
Andrew Show
Broker, CEBA, CEBA-M, CNE, CSP, ABR-M, e-PRO, GREEN
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax
www.BuyersHome.com
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