Running a home inspection when you have suspicions about how a house is doing can be a great idea. Not only will you find out whether something is wrong with certain aspects of the home, but it can also pinpoint the areas that need repairs or can handle any remodeling projects.
However, what isn’t a great idea would be to run a DIY home inspection. Do-it-yourself concepts have become popular for so many projects due to the saving aspect that it provides, but trying to assess and identify the home on your own might lead to the exact opposite. Here are several reasons why a DIY home inspection isn’t as cost-effective as you think it is:
Because of Inexperience
Home inspections require a lot of knowledge with homes, from how the structure should be like to the telltale signs of a certain problem. Attaining this knowledge usually takes years of experience, so a first-time DIY home inspection by yourself puts you at a disadvantage.
If you’re inspecting the home while inexperienced, this means you can miss some rather important details. There may be home problems a professional can spot that an average homeowner would typically miss, which might result in further expenses.
Because of Biased Opinions
There may be DIY home inspections that end up terribly because of bias. Seeing or staying in your home may cause you to brush off certain issues despite the emergency problems that can arise from certain aspects, such as a roof crack or aging pipes.
It’s imperative that you get a third opinion that is completely objective. Without the emotional attachment that may cloud their judgment, they can accurately pinpoint the issues that the home may have and save you some money.
Because of a Lack of Tools
A practical downside of doing your own personal home inspection is the lack of tools. There are several items needed to accurately assess every square inch of the household, such as infrared cameras for darker areas and moisture sensors for water leaks.
Going DIY means that you would need to purchase all these tools by yourself, which just isn’t ideal at all. Not only would you spend so much on the items, but there isn’t any guarantee that you know how to use them safely. It’d be a shame if the tools get damaged, or you get an injury.
Because of Time Management
Time is money, and that’s the case when you get older. Home inspections take hours upon hours of assessment. Directing your time into inspecting the home by yourself can be too consuming on your week, leaving you few hours for work or rest. If you’re unable to work efficiently, that means endangering your income stream.
Because of Inaccurate Reports
Circling back to the first point, the lack of experience that it takes to undergo a serious home inspection can lead to an inaccurate home inspection report. Even with an online guide, certain inaccuracies can cost you dollars in extra repair and failed home renovation that could have been prevented. Be sure to hire a professional to get a comprehensive report on a property.
Conclusion
Whether it’s for your own house or a property that you’re eyeing, home inspections can be quite vital for your personal safety and wallet. Going DIY can make you lose some money, so invest in some professional services instead.
Need to get a home inspection in Tulsa? AEI Inspection in North Eastern Oklahoma has over 30 years of experience with home inspections and structural engineering, identifying the issues, and performing testing for proper troubleshooting in residential properties. Contact us today!
