From the perspective of the home inspector, there are no mandatory repairs. It is a common misperception that home inspectors have the authority of a governmental agency behind them, but this is not the case. We are just there to provide our opinion about the condition of the property. The seller is not required to repair or replace anything just because it was discovered during the home inspection process. The house can be sold “As-Is”, or the buyer may choose to walk away. However, in most cases, major or significant defects are negotiated to strike a middle ground.
Mortgage companies
Before risking their investment in the property, a lender may require that certain defects or safety related issues be addressed before lending the buyer money for the home. Once certain issues have been revealed, it is in the best interest of the seller to make the repairs or replacement. If the deal falls through, the next potential buyer may be made aware of the outstanding issues and the seller may need to make repairs or replacement anyway.
Who pays for repairs after home inspection?
The beauty of the home inspectors’ job is that we are not vested in who pays for the repair. We just find the problems and point out that somebody should fix it. Except for major legal or safety issues, in a sellers’ market, home purchases are being settled without inspections. In effect they are being sold “As-Is”. Across the country and especially here in Maryland the real estate market is experiencing an unprecedented low inventory of homes for sale in comparison to the number of potential buyers at the current time. This has allowed sellers to ask for higher prices and not allow buyers the opportunity to have the property inspected.
Some of the major issues that we see on inspections are:
- DIY Electrical and plumbing work
- Damaged shingles on roofs
- Old or poorly maintained equipment
- Leaking pipes
- Mold
- Loose or missing handrails
- Missing or inoperative smoke/carbon monoxide detectors
In a buyers’ market, the potential purchaser may ask for numerous repairs to move the contract along to settlement. In this instance, the home inspection report can serve as a negotiation tool of items to be repaired or replaced. Typical repair addendums, prepared by the realtor may not only cover major concerns such as those listed above, but could also include more minor but valid concerns such as:
- Rotted wood on the exterior
- Improperly sloped gutters
- Minor plumbing issues
- Water heater repairs
- HVAC servicing
- Non-working appliances
- Window repairs
Almost everything can be repaired. A good home inspection company like Highland Home Inspections will thoroughly evaluate all the major systems of the house in a non-biased, educational manner. They are not there to persuade or influence the sale one way or the other.
One of our fully qualified and experienced senior inspectors will evaluate all the house systems such as plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and structural components of the house. We will examine the exterior, get on the roof, and much, much more to provide a comprehensive report of our observations. PDF Reports are typically sent within 24 hours of the inspection to you and your agent.
If you have any questions about home inspections, please call to schedule an appointment.
One of our 9 fully licensed and ASHI certified inspectors would be glad to come out to look at your property and provide a report for you.
Call 410-772-9332 or reserve an appointment by going to www.hhinspect.com .
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Highland Home Inspections is a Veteran Owned local business with offices in Ellicott City and Prince Frederick, Maryland and serves Central and Southern Maryland the Eastern Shore, Ocean City and Fenwick Island, DE. And now in Northern Virginia.