When purchasing a home, buyers have the option to complete a home inspection. A lot of times when a home inspection in Pittsburgh is done, homes tend to have damp and or wet basements, fully equipped, in most cases, with a cruddy Pittsburgh Potty. Whether the basement is taking on full-fledged rainwater or is just damp, you can never be too sure. Buyers should do their due diligence before purchasing a home. So, if you are buying a home in Pittsburgh, this would be one of several reasons why you might have an inspection done.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection is when a professional inspector examines the sellers’ home for issues, including those that may not be visible to the naked eye. The home inspector will evaluate the structure of the home, the electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling systems, and more.
Who pays for the home inspection?
The buyer pays for the home inspection. The buyer will pay the inspection fee directly to the inspector at the time of service.
Should you have a home inspection completed on an older home in Pittsburgh?
Even if recommended, it is up to you. In Pittsburgh, according to Neighborhood Scout was built before 1939. There really is no way to tell how much or how little TLC a home has had. Buyers should do their due diligence before purchasing a home.
What is the cost of a home inspection in Pittsburgh?
A home inspection in Pittsburgh costs around $300 however, the price may vary. It is best to call around to a few home inspectors in and around the Pittsburgh area to confirm pricing.
Does Pa law require a home inspection in Pittsburgh?
No, PA law does not require buyers to complete an inspection. However, PA real estate law does require that when completing the agreement of sale, the buyer must either waive or elect the home inspection. Before waiving your rights, discuss the impact with your Realtor.
Will a home inspection tell you if there is lead-based paint in a home?
No, a home inspection in Pittsburgh does not include checking for lead-based paint. A lead-based paint inspection is needed to reveal whether lead-based paint is present. To check for lead-based paint a special test is required. According to the EPA, lead-based paint was widely used in homes built before 1978. As a result, for properties built before 1978, then the seller must provide a lead-based paint disclosure. There are tons of homes in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area which were built prior to 1978. Your real estate agent can provide a copy of the lead-based paint disclosure and also a Protect Your Family From Lead Pamphlet.
How do I find a home inspector in Pittsburgh?
Your real estate agent can give the names of a few home inspection companies in Pittsburgh. Remember, you can also do a good ol’ fashion google search too.
I reviewed the sellers’ disclosure notice. Should I still complete an inspection?
Sellers are required to reveal past and current problems about the property in the sellers’ disclosure notice. Remember, a home inspector is looking for both obvious issues and also defects that may not be visible. There may be problems with the home that the seller is not aware of, that the home inspection may uncover.
What is the timeframe to complete the inspection after the agreement is executed?
Your sales contract will outline the time frame that you must complete the inspection within. Contact your buyers’ agent, if you need time beyond the time frame indicated in the contract to complete the home inspection.
Should I be present for the home inspection?
Yes, you should be present for the home inspection. Being present for the home inspection will allow you the opportunity to ask the inspector questions and familiarize yourself with the mechanics of the home.
Who can attend the inspection with me?
We would all like to use the few hours at the house to take the opportunity to show off our prospective new home. Unfortunately, the time of the inspection is not the time to host a small open house. Parties on the agreement of sale can attend the home inspection. If you absolutely must take someone along with you, speak to your buyers’ agent to discuss your options.
How long will the inspection take?
Generally, it takes about 2-3 hours for the inspector to complete the inspection.
How long does it take to get the inspection report back?
Once the inspection is complete, the inspector completes an inspection report of their findings. Typically, the Inspector provides a copy of the inspection report within 24-48 hours.
The inspector found problems. What do I do next?
Do not run out kicking and screaming yet. You have options. Problems found during the home inspection are negotiable. Discuss how you would like to move forward with your buyers’ agent up to and including terminating the agreement of sale.
The inspector found problems during the home inspection. Can the seller choose anyone to correct the issues?
Buyers when asking the seller to correct issues can request that the issues be corrected by a PROFESSIONAL. Also, buyers can also request proof and/or receipts of the repairs. A buyers’ agent can walk you through the process. Protect yourself from repairs done by John the neighborhood handyman. No offense, John!
Based on what I learned from the inspection report, I no longer want the house. Can I be refunded the inspection cost?
Unfortunately, you will be out of money for the inspection. Even though it feels like a loss, you may have won. Imagine if you waived the inspection, and the problems were discovered after you purchased the home and moved in. It may have caused you more money to repair the problem than the cost of the home inspection.
Now moving onto the process of hiring a home inspector, here is a list of 7 Questions to Ask to Make You Confident in your Home Inspector.
