Buying a home isn’t as straightforward as you think. Besides dealing with your finances and choosing the best location, you also need to ensure that the property you buy fits your lifestyle and is in great shape. With that being said, home inspections are a must , but this task is best handled by experts.
Once you’ve chosen your dream home, having a professional inspect the property is crucial before entering the negotiation process. This is because the inspector will reveal all the hidden damages that you can include in your negotiations that would otherwise increase your expenses in the long run.
Besides getting a credible inspector to inspect your home, it’s also essential to have a structural engineer examine your property as well. It’s totally understandable to get a bit confused about the two, but knowing their differences can help you determine whether your property is a good or bad investment.
Is Having Your Home Inspected Worth It?
The short answer is yes, it’s worth having your property inspected. Think of it this way — you won’t buy a car without test driving it first, right? You won’t buy a pair of expensive jeans without trying them on first, correct?
The same goes with your home — inspections ensure that the property you’re buying is in good condition. Not to mention, when your structural engineer and the inspector find some issues, this can be included in the negotiation.
Besides cosmetic issues, your inspector will examine the property’s plumbing and electrical wiring, HVAC units, its roof and foundation, and the state of the home’s exterior and interiors.
Why Should I Hire a Structural Engineer?
A general inspection is extremely helpful for homebuyers who want to understand the property’s current state and get a potential view of the repairs and replacements they need to face.
When an inspector is worried about a home’s foundation, it’s best to hire a structural engineer to have a more in-depth inspection of the house.
When Should I Call a Structural Engineer?
- When dealing with aging properties, it’s best to have a structural engineer examine the properties for repairs and damages.
- When the property has noticeable damage to its foundation, having a structural engineer determine the issues is incredibly helpful. This inspection will cover vital components in a home’s foundation, such as drainage issues, its structural base, and more.
- When your area experiences heavy rain conditions, it’s best to have a structural engineer examine your home’s walls, columns, roof, and foundation for any damage due to rainfall.
The Bottom Line: Minor Issues Will Lead to Big Problems, So Inspections are a Must
One of the biggest mistakes first-time homebuyers make is ignoring the small signs of repairs and issues. When you don’t pay attention to these issues, your home problems will lead to bigger problems, opting for you to spend more than what you expected.
With that being said, it’s best to have your property inspected by professionals and hire a structural engineer to better understand the state of your chosen home. That way, you’re sure that you’re signing a deal on a good investment.
How Can We Help You?
If you’re looking for home inspection engineers, you’ve come to the right place.
With over three decades of experience in home inspection and structural engineering, AEI holds extensive knowledge and background to spot structural issues and perform tests and troubleshooting for residential homes.
Need to have your home inspected? Schedule an inspection and give us a call at (918) 251-6910 today!
