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Breaking Down the Cost of Your Home Inspection

Have you ever wondered why a home inspection costs $400 and up? We here at Divinity Inspection Services think it might helpful if you knew the break down of the cost of your home inspection. Where the cost of your home inspection really goes. The cost is in the details and the details matter. Property inspection reports are often a dozen pages or more, detailing various components about the property. Hopefully after reading this blog and understanding the fees, you will feel that the investment is well worth it.

Tools and Equipment

Your home inspector will walk through every single room in the house. They will also inspect the roof, the attic, the basement, under the home, and every access. Home inspectors will inspect the foundation of the home and everything outside around the home. Common equipment used by all inspectors include flashlights, ladders, screwdrivers, and infrared cameras. Some inspectors, if needed, will also use a mold test kit, a radon test kit, or other certified material testing products.

Time and Experience

Each state has different licensing and certification requirements. Above that, the experience of your home inspector increase their value. A good home inspector will not only know where to look but what to look for that may be signs of an issue not otherwise obvious to the untrained eye. Time is also a huge contributor to a home inspector’s fees. The larger the home the longer the inspection. Often a home inspection takes no less than 2 hours to complete. If you stick around for the inspection, your inspector may walk you through some potential concerns. Some inspectors may even offer solutions, referrals, or estimated costs for repair. These details can help homebuyers make an informed decision before completing a purchase.

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The Home Inspector and the Real Estate Agent Relationship

The home inspector and the real estate agent have a unique relationship. In most cases, this relationship is good. Both the home inspector and the real estate agent tend to look out for the home buyer’s best interest when considering a home for purchase. However, you may hear about this relationship becoming a strain on either party or within specific cases. Stories claim some real estate agents try to pressure the home inspector to “take it easy” on their inspection with a concern that any major issue with the house will kill the deal. I promise you that even if a real estate agent tries to pressure a home inspector, they still have the home buyer’s best interest in mind. The relationship between a home inspector and a real estate agent can become very delicate but there are a few things you should know.

Use the Inspector your Agent refers

If you trust your real estate agent then you should trust their reference. Your agent doesn’t just want to sell you a house, they want to sell you a home. When an agent knows and trusts a home inspector to do a good job they will always refer that inspector. You should consider their reference first. If your agent is on your side then you know the home inspector will be too. That being said, you must understand that the home inspector’s job is to make you aware of any potential problems with the home. We are not trying to ruing your “dream home” or break your heart. At the end of the day, you still get to decide if you want to purchase the house or not but now you can make a much more informed decision.

Let the Home Inspector do their job

So many home buyers quake at the thought of a home inspection. Especially first time home buyers. They get so worked up that the home inspector is going to find something that will completely dash their dreams of buying the house they have fallen so in love with. But you have to let the inspector do their job. Do you want to move into a house and find out after 6 months that you need a new roof? Which can cost upwards of $10,000 by the way. Of course you don’t! If there is ever a time to spend money on a home it is to make sure you are aware of exactly what you are purchasing before you complete the transaction.

Trust your instincts

There are a few cases where the home buyer does not feel comfortable with their real estate agent. For whatever reason, they just don’t trust that their agent is on their side. In these same cases, being open and honest with your agent might be all you need. Sometimes it’s a miscommunication, sometimes personalities don’t blend, etc. But whatever the reason might be, don’t stay with an agent you don’t feel comfortable with. Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life – both financially and emotionally. You want to go through that process with someone you trust.

You know you can trust Divinity Inspections to perform a thorough inspection on your home. We will always walk you through our reports, explain everything we find, answer all of your questions, and even give you references if you need any. We also work with some really fantastic real estate agents that we are happy to refer. Because referrals go both ways! Contact us today and tell us how we can help.