A Professional home inspector can be your very own house whisperer.
When was the last time you had your home professionally inspected? If your answer is when you originally purchased your home, you could be making a costly mistake.
“Just like annual physicals, an annual home inspection provides homeowners with an opportunity to better understand the inner workings of their home and catch potential problems before they become major issues,” said Adam Long, President of HomeTeam Inspection Service.
“Most homeowners aren’t able to identify potential problems with their plumbing, electric, HVAC systems or foundations on their own,” Long said. “It takes a trained eye to know when a leak or a crack is the warning sign for a larger problem, and it takes a seasoned professional to be able to thoroughly explain these issues, and steps necessary to fix them, to homeowners in a manner that doesn’t cause alarm.”
Rather than dealing with the stress and costs of home repairs at a moment as crucial as the point of sale, annual home inspections offer a number of benefits to help homeowners avoid future headaches down the road.
Annual Home Inspections Give Homeowners Time To Budget for Repairs
Just like anything else, the items in your home have a lifespan. While some homeowners may not be immediately aware of the age of all of their home appliances, a 10-year-old hot water heater may be ready to be replaced before you’re on borrowed time. A good inspector can provide homeowners with a better understanding of the lifespan of crucial appliances and offer a timeline before each item will need to be replaced. This allows homeowners to prepare before a break or malfunction occurs and gives them a better understanding of the costs.
Annual Home Inspections Save Homeowners Money in the Long Run
Fixing an old, leaking pipe is much cheaper than fixing a burst pipe and repairing the subsequent water damage. A home inspection report can show you areas of your home that may need attention and can help avoid problems caused by deferred maintenance. Emergency repairs can be costly, are always stressful and might not be covered by homeowner’s insurance.
Annual Home Inspections Ensure the Health and Safety of the People Living in the Home
When we think of maintaining our home, we don’t often think about the safety repercussions that come with a lack of maintenance. Undetected leaks can cause household mold, and that can damage your lungs. High levels of radon can cause serious health effects. Faulty wiring can cause a fire. The list goes on. Annual home inspections give homeowners peace of mind knowing that they are living in a safe environment.
Annual Home Inspections Guide Homeowners Through Their Maintenance Checklist
Have you regularly changed out your HVAC filters? Cleaned your range hood filter? Vacuumed your refrigerator coils or serviced your A/C condenser? Homes require seasonal maintenance that some first-time homeowners may not be aware of or can easily forget. While these maintenance steps may be small, neglect can lead to larger - and more costly - problems down the road. A good home inspector can provide a road map for homeowners and address neglected chores.
Annual Home Inspections Make It Easier to Sell Your Home When the Time Comes
For many sellers, the most stressful part of the transaction is the buyer’s home inspection. If substantial problems are found, chances are the buyers will ask for a discount or even walk away altogether. By staying on top of home inspections, sellers can approach the process with the confidence of knowing their home is in tip-top shape and can list their home for top dollar.
“Annual home inspections provide homeowners with the ability to identify any potential issues early on so that they can be cared for before they have the opportunity to turn into a major issue,” said Ed Miehlke, owner of HomeTeam Inspection Service of Northwest Chicago. “Whether it’s a plumbing leak or discoloration in the attic, early detection is key to avoid extensive repairs and high costs. Regular inspections can also help homeowners prioritize projects that need to be done around the home based on impact and budget considerations, which avoids major stress and financial strain down the road.”
As summer approaches, now is the perfect time to hire a home inspector to take a look at your roof, downspouts, and gutters, and uncover any woes winter may have left behind.
