The importance of getting a home inspection
When buying a new home, getting an inspection done is one of the smartest choices you can make. A highly trained professional home inspector will produce a detailed report that tells you what repair and maintenance costs are required immediately, and as well as what is likely to crop up over time. An inspection will also find health and safety concerns, such as mold. If any problems come up, you’ll have the option to withdraw your offer, or you can use these findings as a bargaining tool when negotiating price.
Though it might be tempting to skip the home inspection during the pandemic, home inspections in 2021 can still be safely conducted. A home inspection could save you thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.
Home inspections in 2021
If you’re buying or selling a home in 2021, a thorough inspection can still be done with a little cooperation. The way home inspections are being conducted post pandemic has changed. Before, buyers (and sometimes the buyer’s family) were encouraged to walk through the home with the inspector as the inspection took place. The inspector and buyer would then go through the report together, often while still at the property.
Inspections are now generally done without any face-to-face contact. However, you can rest assured that the process remains in-depth and transparent for both the buyer and seller.
How homes are safely inspected during the pandemic
Procedures now vary according to the inspection company.
- Pre-inspection. Prior to the inspection, the seller will be asked to make sure the home is vacant during the inspection. In circumstances where the seller is required to isolate, this may not be possible, and an alternative arrangement will be made. The seller will also be asked to turn on all lights and open all doors so that surface touch is kept to a minimum.
- During inspection. Most inspectors will go through the home on their own while wearing a mask and gloves. In the case that a surface must be touched, it will be disinfected immediately after. In some cases, the buyer may be permitted to go through the home with the inspector, but physical distancing must be practiced. Understandably, some sellers are not comfortable having large crowds within their home, especially if they’re still living there.
- Post-inspection. The report – and lots of accompanying photos – will be emailed to the buyer, who should then contact the inspector if they have any questions. The report can also be fully reviewed over the phone or video conference. Some inspectors will also take detailed videos for the buyer while in the home to help explain any issues they encounter.
Contact Checkmark Plus to schedule your home inspection today
With over 15 years of experience and fluency in both English and Spanish, you can trust Herman Andrade of Checkmark Plus to conduct a thorough and safe home inspection post pandemic. If you need a home in the New Jersey and New York areas inspected, give us a call and we’ll be happy to answer any queries you may have.
