How Long Does a Full Home Inspection Take? Shorter than an Unexpected Reno!

Naturally, when a buyer is ecstatic about the home that they found after the long and exhausting hunting and viewing process, they just might consider skipping an inspection altogether. We get it - buyers are tired and ready to just move in already. But, how long does a full home inspection take? Only about two - two and a half hours! 

Buyers probably already know what we’re about to say, but to reiterate: when it comes to buying a property, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether or not to request a home inspection report… And there is one correct answer here, resulting in a few different options for buyers.

Buyers: Always, always, request some sort of inspection report and review it well. Inspections are a key component of the purchasing process because they reveal potential problems with the property, thus allowing buyers to make an informed decision. We know it’s one more step in a process that already feels like a hassle, but we assure you it’s worth the effort. When the buyer is aware of a property’s potential issues, it gives them the power to decide between choosing whether to fix issues by working with the property as it is currently, or eradicate the issue altogether via remodeling or renovation.

A full inspection report is preferred as it’s an in-depth assessment of all major aspects of a home and property, from its structure and safety features to any current or potential environmental hazards. It will also provide information regarding any repairs or renovations that may need to be finished, or at least started, before moving in. By gaining this all-around knowledge ahead of time, buyers are able to budget for these costs and ensure that they don’t get stuck with unexpected expenses after closing on their new home; the last thing any buyer wants is another high-budget item after the initial purchase.

Additionally, obtaining an inspection report helps protect buyers from purchasing homes with issues that are unobvious to the untrained eye. For example, mold or asbestos could be lurking within walls or closed-off spaces, which have serious health implications down the road if left unnoticed and unaddressed. Ensuring that your home is safe, liveable, and well-built is a worthy investment of your time and money.

Another option for buyers is a four-point inspection. It’s a faster type of inspection that focuses on the major components of a house, specifically: plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, and then heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (or HVAC) systems. The four-point inspection is ideal for older homes or those that have been neglected in terms of maintenance because the inspector will assess each component individually to determine its condition and whether it will need to be repaired or replaced as well as provide an estimate of the timeline for those potential repairs or replacements. By completing this overarching review upfront, buyers avoid surprises down the road and can be sure that their new property is safe and secure from day one. Read more about four-point home inspections here.

A third kind of report is a wind mitigation report, which focuses on identifying any potential hazards or deficiencies that could present a risk to the buyer if not addressed prior to closing on the property. Specifically, this kind of report will look for safety issues such as proper installation and use of deadbolts and other security measures, as well as checking for damage from high winds or other naturally occurring damage that is difficult to spot with the naked eye. Read more in-depth about wind mitigation inspections and reports here.

Although some buyers may only include one or two of these common reports, it is widely accepted and encouraged that buyers should complete all three inspections to have the most comprehensive report possible. However, if a buyer wants to be competitive in the case of going up against multiple offers, we recommend that they agree to a four-point inspection for optimal efficiency. That way, the buyer still gets an inspector’s basic and quick analysis of the state of the home, while staying competitive when there are multiple offers on the table. Plus, this option still leaves them with an overall report to give a home insurance agent in the future.

Remember, buyers should never skip all inspections when making the costly decision to purchase a home. Don’t worry about how long a full home inspection might take, because the knowledge it will provide the buyer with is power. Knowing their home well also makes homeowners less vulnerable to home insurance claim adjusters’ secret tactics, like exclusions and lowballing claims. If you have a paper trail, home insurance inspections and potential disputes are much more likely to go your way.

When a buyer is well-informed about a property’s condition, they are also aware of any future issues that may arise. No one wants to be trapped with a property that unexpectedly needs complicated repairs or lengthy renovation projects, unless they’ve invested in a “fixer-upper”. And, in that case, happy home repair!

If you’re curious about home inspection resources in the Space Coast area, get in touch with our team at Denovo Realty. Our experts are here to help. Or, if you’re in the market for a home in the Space Coast area, take a look at some of the wonderful local properties listed here.