Your home inspection found some stuff… Now what? For starters, don’t panic. It is quite common to find minor home inspection issues.
Finding issues during a home inspection is pretty normal. Especially if you live in Methuen. Methuen winters are tough on homes! Water in the ground freezes and expands up to 9%. This pushes on the house, causing cracks! (that’s why you need a home inspection to find out these hidden issues)
So, let’s start with the basics. Here is what you can do after you get your home inspection report back to make sure your house is in a 10/10 condition:
What to Do After the Inspection Report
It’s quite elementary. First, educate yourself on the common issues you might end up dealing with. Here is what you need to know:
You could be dealing with water damage: Rusty gutters overflowing or downpours sneaking in under damaged shingles – these can all lead to big problems like rotting wood and mold growth. An inspector will find out any signs of water leaks before they cause a watery nightmare for you (and potential buyers).
There could be improper ventilation: Imagine your house trapped inside a plastic bag – that’s what bad ventilation feels like! Not only can it damage the structure, but it can also make you sick. A good inspector will check for stuffy air, especially in damp areas, to make sure your house can breathe easily.
Possibly a damaged roof (missing a shingle or two): Let’s face it, roofs take a beating from the elements. Hail, strong winds, and even just plain old age can leave them vulnerable. An inspector will focus on checking for missing shingles, clogged gutters, and any other signs of wear and tear before they turn into bigger leaks.
Even find cracks in the walls and roofs: Small cracks happen, but they can be a little like a blinking warning light on your house’s dashboard. An inspector will find out if they’re just cosmetic or hinting at something more serious. If you catch them early, you can avoid them becoming a bigger issue down the line.
Identifying Major vs. Minor Issues
Even the dreamiest house might have a few quirks. The key is figuring out what’s a dealbreaker and what’s just a minor fix.
Let’s break it down:
Major issues: These are the biggies. Think of foundation problems, major electrical issues, or a leaky roof. These can be expensive and potentially dangerous, so you’ll want to address them seriously.
Minor issues: These are more like cosmetic stuff or minor repairs. It could be a loose doorknob or worn-off paint. While you’ll want to fix them eventually, they’re not going to cause your house to crumble.
The inspector’s report will usually categorize the issues for you, but it’s always good to ask for clarification if you’re unsure.
Next up, we’ll talk about how to prioritize these issues and use them to negotiate with the seller.
Immediate Safety Concerns
Alright, so you’ve got a list of issues from minor touch-ups to more serious stuff. Now it’s time to prioritize! Here’s the golden rule: safety first.
These are the top priority. Any issue that has to do with electric work or any major structural damage. It is better to address them ASAP.
You now know what to do after getting your inspection report, but do you know why you need one in the first place?
The Purpose of a Home Inspection
Now, before you get too excited, let’s talk about something important: the home inspection. Why do you even need one to begin with? Well, The purpose of a home inspection is simple. To give you a clear picture of what the actual condition of the house is.
Of course, you can’t tell if the roof is leaky or the drainage doesn’t work from the first house viewing. You very clearly need a professional who will check houses A to Z like the electrical work, plumbing, structure, and foundations.
This way, you know what’s coming to you; no surprises. It might even help you score a better deal with the seller:
Negotiating Repairs with the Seller
Alright, you got the inspection report – basically, your cheat sheet for talking to the seller about repairs. Here’s how to turn it into a win-win situation:
- Keep those emotions ebbed: This might sound obvious, but stay calm! Breathe deep, focus on the big stuff first (think leaky roof, not chipped paint), and remember, you’re both on the same page – wanting to close the deal.
- Time to do your own research: Get quotes from repair companies for the major issues. This firepower will show the seller you’re serious and help them understand the costs involved.
- No need to be indirect: Be upfront about the problems and how they affect the house’s value. Think of it this way: a fixer-upper means less money for you and, ultimately, less money for them too.
- Focus on finding a solution: The goal is a solution that works for everyone. Maybe the seller fixes some things, or you get a price reduction to cover repairs yourself. Be open to options!
- Let your inspector help with the negotiations: Don’t be shy about leaning on your inspector’s expertise. They’re your secret weapon for handling negotiations and answering any technical questions that might pop up.
Now, the last thing you want to do is find an inspector that has your back. Someone you can trust and rely on when you are buying a house in the city.
Finding a Reliable Home Inspection Company in Methuen
House hunting is amazing, but that inspection before you buy? Total buzzkill. Here’s the antidote: RJ Home Inspections in Methuen. Our inspectors are here to get the job done.
Plus, RJ Home Inspections has tons of experience and stellar reviews online. We will find common issues during home inspections. So ditch the inspection dread and give us a call. Don’t stress over the home inspection issues when you have RJ Home Inspections backing you.