In a competitive real estate market like that of Park City, it can be tempting to eliminate the usual contingencies included in a housing deal. However, one step that you should never skip is the home inspection.
If you’re asking yourself, “Do I need a home inspection?” the answer is always a resounding yes. For a relatively small fee, a home inspection provides answers and peace of mind to buyers. In addition, it offers you, as the buyer, the chance to back out of the deal before pouring your entire savings into a house that needs significant work. With stakes this high, the benefits of a home inspection far outweigh the costs.
Every reason you should have a home inspection
Don’t risk your well-being
The biggest reason to have a home inspection before buying a house is to ensure it’s up-to-code and ready to move into. Before you move your family in, you want to be sure that the walls are structurally sound, the electrical wiring is in good shape, and there’s no hidden mold growing somewhere out of sight. Inspections generally cover structure, electricity, plumbing, the HVAC system, and roofing, which protects you from issues that could impact your health and safety. Not only can these hazards be dangerous, but they can also be quite costly to fix.
Gain leverage in negotiations
Having an inspection done on your Park City home can give you leverage in ongoing negotiations with the seller. If a problem is revealed in the inspection report, you can then respond that the repair is an unforeseen cost you aren’t willing to take on. You can then ask that the seller fixes the issue before closing or provides a credit for you to tackle the repairs after you move in. In some cases, you can have the sale price reduced to counterbalance the cost of future repairs.
Don’t be buried in projects
You may be willing to repaint your new home and even patch a hole in the wall or have the floor refinished, but most likely, you don’t want to find out that the home needs to be treated for termites, a new roof, and updated plumbing. Some of these can cost thousands of dollars, which is likely an expense you may not want to handle right after taking on a mortgage.
Having an inspection done means you’ll have a clear idea of what needs to be fixed before you sign the closing paperwork. That way, you can decide whether or not you’re willing to take on the work or if you need to find a different property that’s in better condition.
Insurance will require it
If you choose to skip a home inspection, there is a good chance that your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover certain problems when they arise. Even if your roof is damaged in a storm a week after you move in, it’s possible that the insurance company would claim that the damage was done prior and refuse to pay — and a new roof is a major expense that new homeowners certainly don’t want. Having a clean inspection report sent to your insurance company can help ensure that any concerns will be covered under your plan so that you aren’t left with a massive repair bill.
Know that any renovations were done properly
Homeowners often take on interior renovations, but those renovations aren’t always made with the proper permits in place. A home inspection will reassure you that the renovated basement or mother-in-law suite add-on was correctly done with government approval so that you can feel confident that you won’t face legal repercussions in the future. After all, you want your move to Park City real estate to go on without a hitch.
Be aware of any upcoming maintenance needs
A home inspection can also shine a light on things that are currently in working order but may require some maintenance in the future. For instance, the inspector can give you a clear idea of when the air ducts in the house need to be cleaned, when the roof might need to be replaced, or even if the circuit breaker box needs to be updated. That way, you can decide whether or not you’ll be able to handle the maintenance required to keep the house in the best shape possible.
The educational factor
How many chances do you have to walk through your property with someone who’s an expert in so many areas? Take a home inspection as an opportunity to learn more about your new Park City home. Ask them the inspector any questions you may have about home maintenance, and find out where different things are. Some elements, like air ducts and circuit breakers, can be hard to find, and knowing exactly where they are will be important when you need them in a sticky situation. You never know when this insight may come in handy!
It will cut through the emotional response
It’s easy to get emotionally attached to a home — you imagine your family growing up there, and suddenly you’re in love with the whole house, willing to pay a bit more to get it. However, nothing will cut through those emotions faster than finding issues on a home inspection report. Finding out that the entire roof needs to be replaced and the electrical work in the walls needs to be re-wired will quickly remind you that there are other amazing houses on the market. The inspection will help you decide if the deal is based on far too many sentiments and isn’t a good financial move or if the house is absolutely worth the cost.
Partner up with a trusted agent to find the home of your dreams
If you’re hoping to move forward in your quest for
Park City real estate, team up with the pros at
Peek | Murray. Tom Peek, Kevin Murray, and Kylie Peek Brandt are exceptional agents who are well-versed in helping clients find their dream homes in this incredible area. You could be next — reach out to the team today for the top-notch guidance and expert service you can count on.
