What if your home inspection reveals more than a few defects? It doesn't mean that you shouldn’t purchase the property. In fact, most Columbia SC inspections have at least one major problem but can be fixed with some simple repairs on behalf of homeowners or sellers as needed!
A standard home inspection evaluates the condition of the home heating and air systems, interior plumbing and electrical, roof, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, fundations, and structure.
Your home inspection report should include detailed descriptions and photos of any defects. It’s highly unlikely that you
will have a perfect home inspector, meaning they won't find absolutely nothing wrong with the house - but don't let this discourage you! Your agent can still use it as a guide when prioritizing repairs or addressing budget issues for future repairs.
Your home inspection report provided to you by your home inspector should include detailed descriptions and photos of any defects. It’s highly unlikely that you will have a perfect home inspection, meaning that your inspector finds absolutely nothing wrong with the house. Keep in mind that the home inspection isn’t a pass or fail situation. Your home inspection report can be used as a guide to prioritize defects to address with the seller or budget for future repairs. There are some fixes you can make yourself.
- Cosmetic issues such touching up paint or restaining wood floors
- Remove scuffs and handprints from the walls.
- Fill any nail holes with spackling
- Remove and treat carpet stains
To Fix or Not To Fix
If you’re short on cash, or don’t have the budget for future repair work, you could consider asking your seller to fix them at their cost or work with your realtor to determine what your options are and negotiate for a lower selling price. Keep in mind that the seller has the right to deny your request, therefore it is best to not overask and reserve your requests for major defects such as structural or mechanical defects.
Work with your real estate agent to nail down a strategy to tackle which repairs to ask the seller to make.
Here are a few common defects that sellers may agree to fix, such as:
- Significant plumbing problems
- Leaking roof
- Elevated radon levels
- Unsafe electrical defects
- Mold issues
- Water and drainage issues
- Termite infestation
These types of issues are usually resolved before moving into the home. It’s best to work with your realtor to
have these issues fixed prior to closing.
Pre-listing Home Inspections For Sellers Columbia, SC
Don’t wait for the home inspection report, get ahead of the game and get the seller home inspection. Before you put your home on the market, it’s always a good idea to know the current condition of the home and make sure that everything is working as it should. If you find that your home has issues as it pertains to structural problems, code violations, and safety issues you will need to address this before you put your home on the market.
Although buyers will typically get a home inspection, you don’t have to wait to wait to get the inspection. You can get a seller home inspection and avoid any issues that may turn up during a home inspection. Deal with the potential issues now before they become a problem during the real estate transaction. In some cases, fixing the issues is better than a disount.
Common Issues That Turn Up on The Inspection Report
There are a handful of common issues that show up quite frequently on home inspection reports Columbia,
South Carolina. Don’t be alarmed if you see the following on your inspection report.These include:
Old electrical: If your home was built in the 1920’s then there is no surprise that you would see this on your report.
After all, the home was built in the 1920’s.
Drainage Problems: If you notice that your sprinklers drain towards your house instead of away from it.
Old Pipes: Although older pipes may not be considered structural or safety hazards, they could eventually become a problem.If you’re selling your never-renovated home built in the 1920’s, there is no surprise to the buyer that the plumbing and electrical may need some work.
Home Inspections For Buyers and Sellers Columbia, SC Whether you are buying or selling your home in Columbia, SC or surrounding areas it’s always wise to get the home inspection. For all your home inspection needs in Columbia, Lexington, Irmo, and surrounding areas of South Carolina, contact S&J Home Inspections for a free quote.
Ask about our same-day home and termite inspection CL-100 letter. Get both the home inspection and the
termite inspection in just one visit. Book your upcoming inspection with S&J Home Inspections.
