What is a home inspection?

Many of my clients ask me what a home inspection is and if it’s mandatory to get one. If you’ve stumbled across this page something is telling me you are currently wondering the same. For my readers who don’t care enough to read a long answer, it’s a thorough inspection of the home and no it’s not required by law to get one. 

LONG ANSWER

For those who care…a home inspection is a detailed look into the property you’re interested in purchasing. Different results for every inspection but the intent stays the same, to make the buyer aware of all defects visually notable and to provide solutions to said defects or in simple terms professionals who call out all the problems with the property and gives you a report with solutions. 

HOW MUCH DOES THIS COST?! 

Home Inspections costs vary by age of the home, square footage, and if any additional inspections are requested as well. Examples of additional cost inspections vary company to company but here’s a few that are relatively typical - crawl space inspections, well & septic inspections, drain line camera inspections, and irrigation systems. 

What does a home inspection include? 

A baseline home inspection should include the following to be inspected: electrical systems, interior plumbing, structural elements, windows, appliances, heating and cooling systems, exterior, roof, insulation and safety features. 

For your protection get a home inspection: 

In Oklahoma real estate we have our clients sign a “For Your Protection Get a Home Inspection” form that lets the buyer know it is not required by law to get one, and will only occur if you make the arrangements. I say all that to say, an unbiased professional opinion on one of the biggest purchases you’ll make in your lifetime will always be a top tier choice. Always remember the home inspector doesn’t work for anyone else in the transaction but the BUYER. 

Thank you for reading.