Ideally, homeownership is the cornerstone of the “American Dream.” In a society that values homeownership so highly, the truth is that most people have never even thought about how often they should get a house inspection done. It's time to change that.
The Best Time for a Home Inspection
Here are some factors to consider when deciding how often to schedule routine home inspections.
Ownership
If you have just recently purchased your home, you may want to consider getting a home inspection. This is especially true if you are making a home purchase. Even if you don't buy a new home, it's still a good idea to do a house inspection with every purchase. The reason for this is that a brand-new home is less likely to have structural issues than one that has been lived in for years.
Age
If your home is older, you may want to get a home inspection more often. Often, older homes will have worn-down areas that were once well-maintained. Some of these problems will be obvious. However, many problems will be more subtle. Thankfully, a home inspection will reveal these issues.
Local Weather
The weather in your region also plays a role in how frequently you need to schedule inspections.
You are more likely to experience more wear and tear and damage to your home in hot climates. Dry areas tend to have more issues with the deterioration of paint and other materials.
In areas that experience snow in the winter, ice dams can cause issues with roof drainage that go undetected until a big problem occurs.
Renting Out Your Home
If your home is temporarily vacant, you will want to schedule a home inspection before renting it out. Even if you are planning to live in the home while looking for your next home, you should still get one. This is because renters tend to be harder on your home than you are, and they will likely be living there longer.
Natural Disasters
If you live in a region where you are at risk for natural disasters, you should schedule home inspections more frequently.
A hurricane, tornado, or other weather-related disasters could easily take down the structural integrity of your home.
If you live in a flood-prone zone, you should also make sure to have your home inspected on a more frequent basis because water damage is a major issue.
How to Find a Good Home Inspector
The best place to find a qualified home inspector is through your real estate agent. Your real estate agent will likely have a list of recommendations for you.
The best advice you can follow is to hire a certified home inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). There is a code of ethics that ASHI members must follow when completing home inspections. These standards will help you to avoid a bad home inspection. And having a certified inspector is just one step towards a successful house inspection.
Home Inspection Done Right
There are various factors that you need to take into account when deciding the frequency of your home inspections. Ideally, you should get a home inspection every year. If you live in a region that has particularly harsh weather conditions, your home inspections should be more frequent.
Let’s Do It Home Inspections is a reputable home inspector in Birmingham, AL. No matter the size of your home, we guarantee you high-quality inspections. Contact us!
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