Mistakes Buyers Should Avoid with a Home Inspection

At Kenco Home Inspections, we’re invested in serving Southeast Florida with top-quality home inspections. Plus, we believe information is power. You need the best information about the home inspection process to make a smart decision when purchasing a home.

Avoid these common mistakes home buyers make to set yourself up for success. Contact us to schedule a full home inspection. 

Top Home Inspection Mistakes Buyers Make 

1.     Declining to Schedule an Inspection

Of all the potential mistakes a buyer can make, this is the riskiest. Your home is likely your biggest investment. When you fail to work with a home inspector, you put that investment at risk.

A home inspector works for you to determine the current condition of the property. You gain important knowledge about the home. This information empowers you to ask for repairs or walk away from a bad deal. Don’t risk an uninformed purchase. 

2.     Selecting the Cheapest Home Inspector

You get what you pay for. When it comes to home inspections, you shouldn’t look for a deal. You want a knowledgeable and experienced professional on your side. 

A home inspection takes several hours, plus the inspector prepares a detailed, written report for you to use in negotiations. Your goal is to obtain accurate information. This process isn’t about simply checking a box, it’s about understanding your investment. 

3.     Skipping Out on Attending Inspection

While a home inspector can complete the inspection without you present, you should attend. The inspection offers a valuable view into your home. This is a time to ask questions and focus on any specific areas of concern. 

In addition, your real estate agent should also attend. They are your advocate when purchasing a home. Their expert knowledge helps you navigate the details of buying a home, like the inspection.

4.     Not Negotiating Repairs

You must be willing to walk away from any home purchase. Once you receive the inspection report, work with your real estate agent to negotiate repairs. Big ticket items, like the roof, water leaks, out-of-date HVAC and foundation issues, can cost you thousands of dollars. 

You don’t want unplanned expenses after moving in. It is better to address problems up front. Also, if your home inspector finds problem areas and advises seeking a specialized inspection, follow their advice.

5.     Failure to Inspect Repairs

If you’ve successfully negotiated repairs, schedule a follow up inspection. A simply receipt from the seller is all the proof they need to meet the contractual obligations. Yet, inspecting the quality of the repairs is the buyer’s responsibility.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to ensure the job was done right. At a minimum, you should inspect the repairs. The best option is to hire a professional to review the repairs.

6.     Nitpicking the Issues

While you have a right to ask for any repairs, focusing on tiny issues may only frustrate the buyer. If a home’s HVAC unit doesn’t work and you ask for a long list of tiny repairs, the seller may say no to everything. 

Focus on what matters. Your real estate agent should have the experience to guide you correctly through this process.

A Home Inspection Protects the Buyer

Don’t forego a home inspection. It is your best tool to gain confidence when buying a home. 

At Kenco Home Inspections, we provide trusted home inspections for clients in Jacksonville and other Southeast Florida communities. 

Contact us today to schedule a home inspection!