The process of buying a house can be both exciting and stressful. It is understandable that you might lose some sleep worrying about the small details of the sale of your home. Buyers (especially those who are first-time buyers) can become agitated when they learn that a home inspection is required. They may view the inspection as an obstacle to homeownership.
How Long Does It Take To Inspect A House?
There are many factors to consider when determining the time required for a home inspection. In order to ease any concerns we will spend some time discussing how long it takes for a home inspection, what can prolong or shorten the procedure, and why a good inspector needs this much time. Let’s first review what a “home inspection” is and why this is an important part of any home sale.
What Is A Home Inspection?
A home inspection is an examination of residential property that is non-invasive and visual with the intention of determining the condition of the home at a specific date. A home inspection in henderson nv is where a professional home inspector tours the grounds and takes photos, then uses their findings to create a report. The inspection report is then used as a summary to determine the condition of a home, a guide for repairs that are needed, and even a tool to help buyers negotiate with sellers.
A homebuyer without an inspection report is unaware of the potential problems in their new house and will not be able to take action that can prevent future breakdowns. When buyers ask us how long the home inspection will last, we like to remind them of the purpose of the inspection. The inspection report will save the buyer time, money, and stress in the future if they need to make repairs.
A home inspector will examine the following features, but not only:
- The roof
- The exterior of the home (including steps, porches and balconies, sidings, and landscaping)
- Basement & Foundation
- Heating and cooling systems
- The Plumbing
- Electrical systems
- The attic
- Insulation and ventilation
- Doors, windows & other interior features
A home inspector may also provide additional services in order to enhance the value of their report. These additional services can include:
- Radon testing
- Inspections of sewer and septic systems
- Inspections for wood-destroying organisms (WDO/WDI)
- Indoor air quality tests
Buyers should not expect a quick completion of the job, but rather ensure that the inspector is spending sufficient time on site. Good home inspectors are unbiased third-party experts who take the time necessary to create a report which meets the agreed upon scope and scale of the project. Every home inspection is different, just as each home has its unique quirks and features. To set realistic expectations, let’s talk about how much time to budget for your home inspection.
How Long Is A Home Inspection?
Home inspections can vary in length from one inspector to another and from property to property. Buyers should plan on an average inspector spending between 2 and 4 hours at the property. Then, they can expect to receive a report within 1 to 3 business days. Asking an inspector how long it will take them to complete an inspection report can be a good way to gauge the timeframe.
A licensed property inspector is trained to identify a variety of defects and features in a home. An experienced inspector can accurately estimate how long it will take to complete a task after gathering important facts such as:
- The size of your home (the number of floors and complex systems, such as HVAC systems, can vary depending on the size of your house).
- The age of the house (older houses tend to have issues or quirks which need to be highlighted within the report).
- The condition of the house (neglected houses will have additional features that will need to be examined further and described in the report which will take longer)
An inspection of a property is a difficult and important task. However, an inspector who has been trained well may be able to provide unique insight into certain types or builders in a particular area. An inspector who is well-suited for the job will save time because they are familiar with the process. They may also be able dig deeper into a specific home feature due to their specialization. As no two homes are alike, neither are two home inspections.
Your own home inspection will be what you make it. Your inspector can help you with any questions you may have, as well as order add-on services that will expand what you already know about your house.
