Are you considering purchasing a house in Spokane, Washington in the coming year? If you are, don’t forget the home inspection. Home inspections can find issues with the house that you may not have seen on your walk. Let’s take a look at the home inspection costs and what they cover.
What is a home inspection?
A home inspection or a pre-purchase inspection is performed by a home inspector. It’s a non-destructive way to check the home’s structure and systems. The process of getting a home inspection starts after the buyer places a bid on the home that is for sale and the buyer accepts the offer, which is typically contingent on a home inspection. Then, the buyer hires a home inspector to go out to the property and review it. Home inspectors are trained to look for problems with homes. Once they’re finished with their inspection, they write a report and send it to the buyer. The buyer can then read the report and either continue with the sale as it is, renegotiate with the seller for a lower price or for repairs, or back out of the sale and continue their search for a new home.
What’s the average cost of a home inspection in Washington?
Home inspections in Spokane and Washington state typically cost between $425 and $600. This is slightly more than the average cost across the United States, which is $342. Home inspections typically take between two and four hours, and the average hourly rate of a home inspector ranges from $22 to $36 an hour.
What do home inspectors inspect?
Home inspectors inspect everything they can see without cutting through walls, floors and ceilings. That’s because nearly all home inspections are non-destructive, which means they don’t damage the house.
Water Damage
They look for water damage. This includes evidence of water in the attic, around sinks and bathtubs and in areas where piping is known to be located. If they notice any signs of water damage, they write down their findings in their report.
Electrical Problems
The home inspector will look at the electrical system. They will inspect the electrical box and the circuits. They will also test all of the outlets and switches. If anything isn’t working correctly, they will note it in their report. It’s important to understand that home inspectors can’t see the electrical wires that are inside the walls, so they cannot comment on the status of the actual wires.
Roof Issues
The home inspector will examine the roof for wear and tear and damage. They also look for roofing leaks and will access the attic if there is an attic access door.
Foundation Problems
The home inspector will do his or her best to locate any foundation problems. This may include making sure that all of the doors and windows open and close without sticking. They may check the squareness of the door and window openings. If the home has a crawlspace or basement, they will enter it and look around.
HVAC System
They will inspect the HVAC system and test it to see whether or not it is working and if it appears to be in good condition.
Additional items that a home inspector checks include any visible insulation, the plumbing system, the walls, ceilings and floors and the overall condition of the interior and exterior of the home.
What happens after the home inspection?
Depending on what’s found, the buyer may choose to continue with the sale as it, or they may go back to the bargaining table with the seller. If issues are found with the home, the buyer may request that the seller make certain repairs, or they may renegotiate the price of the home. If the home inspector finds a safety issue, the buyer can cancel the deal.
Can a home inspection affect insurance rates?
A home inspection can affect insurance rates. If the home is found to be well-maintained and in good condition, it can result in lower insurance premiums. However, if problems are found, the insurance company may implement higher rates due to the increased risk of damage. If the home needs extensive renovations before moving in, other types of home insurance may be available while the home is undergoing the renovation process.
Where can I get homeowners insurance in Spokane, Washington?
If you are purchasing a home in Spokane, Washington, you’ll need to have a homeowners insurance policy. This is because many mortgage companies require that homeowners have home insurance for the duration of their mortgage. However, even homeowners who have paid off their homes should consider getting a policy. Home insurance can help pay for repairs and damage to the home from covered events, which may include fires, theft, vandalism and certain types of severe weather.
The good news is that Boyd Insurance Brokerage provides homeowners insurance in Spokane, Washington. Our agents will answer your questions and locate policies that fit your budget. We also offer car, boat, motorcycle, and RV insurance.
To learn more about our homeowners’ insurance policies and to get a quote, call us at 509-340-2693
