The average person spends a lot of time and money on their car. They take it in annually for an inspection, replace parts as they wear out, and pay to have someone wash and vacuum the interior every so often. But what about your home? You spend more time inside than you do outside. And yet, most people never think to hire a professional to inspect their house before buying or renting it. Why is that?
Home inspection fees generally cost around $279 to $400, and for houses approximately 2,000 square feet and above, you’ll have to pay upward of $500. This price does not include recommended repairs or any work that the inspector finds that needs to be done to bring your home up to code. This article will explore six reasons why getting an annual home inspection could save you tons of money down the road.
1. Maintenance
The number one reason to get an annual inspection is so you know if there are any major problems your house needs fixing right away. Home inspections also identify things that can be potentially costly down the road.
For instance, when was the last time you replaced your furnace filter? It’s not something we forget about too often, but it does happen. Many people will replace their furnace filter when they change their clocks for daylight savings, but that’s an entire month when you breathe dirty air. A professional inspector can spot problems that might have simple solutions or costly repairs. It pays to know what’s up.
2. Safety
While many homeowners feel safe in homes with older electrical systems, electrical issues are often not caught until serious electrical fires. It’s essential to have your electrical system inspected yearly to ensure it is safe for you and your family. In addition, electrical inspectors can help you identify electrical problems that might cause you to pay more on electrical bills than you should. They can also provide guidance limiting what electrical equipment you can safely use in your home.
3. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is important to everyone. Having your home inspected can save you a lot of money on your monthly energy bill. You can upgrade or install many appliances such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, and heating and cooling systems on your own. Many DIYers see these types of projects as a great money-saving opportunity. But without the proper licenses, you might end up making costly mistakes that will cost you much more than hiring an expert to do it for you.
4. Repairs
Repairs are inevitable. Whether your roof is leaking, your water heater just broke, or your sewer line has backed up into the basement, what’s important to know is where you stand with these repairs. Suppose you have homeowners insurance that covers major repairs. Then it might not matter too much if you wait until one of these major disasters strikes. However, if you don’t have insurance and need to pay for these repairs out-of-pocket, it is much more financially beneficial to put those funds aside rather than wait for something terrible to happen.
5. Equity
Your home’s value holds equity as long as everything in your house works like new and you don’t need any major renovations. Not sure if that old roof of yours is going to leak or fall apart next winter? Get it inspected. If the inspector finds a significant problem, you might have to re-negotiate your offer with the seller so you can factor in the cost of repairs before closing on the house.
6. Peace of Mind
Most importantly, getting an annual home inspection brings incredible peace of mind. Living in a house where you can identify and repair most major problems before they become disasters means you don’t have to worry about whether things will work properly—and that’s priceless. Furthermore, you’ll be able to relax and know that your home is safe for you and your family.
Many people don’t think about getting an annual home inspection because they think that their home is just fine, but that doesn’t mean that it is. Home inspectors are skilled at looking for hidden problems with major systems in your home. This can include an old roof or a leaky water heater. It’s important to know what needs to be fixed now rather than waiting for a disaster. Plus, you won’t have to worry about anything going wrong because the inspector has already found all the potential problem areas. You’ll be able to relax and know that your family is safe in their own home.
