Ask A Pro: Home Inspections in Boise, Meridian, Nampa

Buying or selling a home is a significant milestone with its fair share of excitement and anxiety. One of the critical steps in this process is the home inspection, a stage that can often feel daunting for many homeowners and buyers.

Whether you are a first-time buyer, a seasoned homeowner, or considering selling, understanding the dynamics of a detailed home inspection can empower you to make informed decisions. 

What Is a Home Inspection?

A home inspection is when a buyer or seller hires an inspector to evaluate the condition of a property before purchasing or selling the home. In the examination, the inspector provides a snapshot of the building's health and safety, detailing whether all the major systems and structures are in good condition.

The inspector will note any issues that could impact the home’s value or pose safety risks to occupants. This includes checking for foundational cracks, roof leaks, pest issues, HVAC problems, outdated or faulty electrical systems, and signs of water damage. Inspectors also look for construction that does not comply with current building codes, as such violations can be costly to rectify.

Inspectors use various tools — from simple devices like flashlights and ladders to more advanced equipment like moisture meters and infrared cameras — to thoroughly evaluate each aspect of the property.

Why Should I Get a Home Inspection Before Buying a Home? 

By identifying these issues, buyers can make informed decisions and use the inspection as a negotiating tool during the closing process with the sellers of a home. For sellers, an inspection can help them understand the condition of their property and necessary repairs before listing. With it, they can make the needed changes to get the most value for their home. 

How Much Does a Home Inspection Cost?

The cost of a home inspection can vary widely depending on several factors, including:

• Size of the home: Larger homes generally require more time to inspect, as they often have more space for inspectors to evaluate, which can increase the cost. 
• Location: Home inspections in high-cost urban areas tend to be more expensive than those in rural areas due to higher business operating expenses.
• Age of the home: Older properties often require a more detailed evaluation to identify potential issues related to wear and tear over time.
• Type of inspection: A standard home inspection covers the main elements of a house, but additional specialized inspections for things like mold, pests, or radon can add to the overall cost.

With these factors in mind, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $600 for a typical home inspection of a standard-sized home in Idaho. However, for larger or more complex properties, or if additional specialized inspections are required, the cost can rise to $600 or more.

However, some inspectors offer bundled packages that include multiple services at a discounted rate for better coverage, which may be helpful if you have an older or larger home.

Who Pays For a Home Inspection: The Buyer or Seller?

In most real estate transactions, the buyer will pay for the inspection as part of their closing costs in the sale. However, there are scenarios where the seller might pay for the inspection. Sellers will mainly offer to pay for a home inspection to incentivize buyers. For example, sellers could offer it if a negotiation falls through or the buyer finds any issues during an initial viewing. Sellers can also pay for a pre-listing inspection to address any issues that could impede the sale or lower the home’s value. This gesture also attracts buyers; they won’t have to worry about paying for an inspection or finding unexpected damage.

What Are the Most Common Issues Uncovered During Home Inspections?

Given how costly inspections can be, inspectors will be vigilant in what they cover and will typically look for the following issues: 

• Damage from pests: Certain pests, such as squirrels, raccoons, and rodents, can burrow in the walls of a home or even eat away at the home’s wiring. In addition, termites and carpenter ants can eat away at the wood in the home, also leading to structural issues.
• Electrical issues: Faulty wiring, inadequate electrical systems, outdated circuit breakers, and improper installations are frequent findings in home inspections. Such electrical issues pose serious safety risks — such as fire hazards — and can lead to costly upgrades if the systems do not meet current standards.
• Roof damage: Roof issues range from missing shingles and leaks to structural sagging. Roof repairs can be expensive, and significant damage may require a complete replacement. Since the roof is critical for protecting the home from weather and the outside elements, unresolved issues can cause water or physical damage elsewhere in the home.
• Foundation problems: Cracks or shifts in the foundation are severe defects often spotted during inspections. These issues can jeopardize the structural integrity of the entire building, leading to uneven floors, cracked walls and drywall, and doors that won’t close properly. Although you can address each problem individually, more problems will persist until you fix the foundation. Although repairs are expensive, they can prevent catastrophic damage and maintain the home's structural safety and market value.
• Plumbing concerns: Leaking pipes, poor water pressure, poorly installed plumbing appliances, and outdated plumbing systems are common problems uncovered during home inspections. Plumbing issues can lead to water damage and mold that could affect the house’s integrity and air quality, risking the lives of residents. 
• HVAC system malfunctions: Inspections often reveal inefficiencies, malfunctions, or aging HVAC equipment that may require repair or replacement. Such issues can impact the home's energy efficiency and cause an uncomfortable living environment — especially in areas with drastic climates.
• Issues in attics and crawlspaces: Many homeowners neglect these areas of the home, and any neglect can cause a host of issues, such as water damage, damaged insulation, and damage caused by pests like termites. 
• Gas line issues: Inspectors often find issues with the gas line and gas appliances attached to it, such as furnaces, ovens, stovetops, and fireplaces. They will also evaluate whether there is a current leak and whether carbon monoxide detectors are in working condition to maintain safety standards. 

The actual inspection may vary depending on how well-maintained the house was before selling. For example, if previous owners were vigilant about addressing issues, the report may come back with minimal issues. On the other hand, some issues arise due to time and regular wear and tear — no matter how well-maintained the house is.

Our Trusted Home Inspectors in the Treasure Valley

The tricky part of home inspections is that some inspectors may not have the knowledge or expertise to catch some of the issues. As a buyer, this can be perilous, and you may find an issue about the house long after you’ve purchased it. To avoid this, Mr. Handyman has several recommendations for home inspectors that we work with and trust in the Treasure Valley:

• ProGuide Inspections: Owned and operated by Darren Simonson, ProGuide Inspections has the experience of engineering and real estate to provide a detailed examination of a house’s structures and essential systems. All reports given by ProGuide Inspections are thorough but break down each issue in a way that all homeowners and buyers can easily understand.
• Ironclad Inspections: Based in Caldwell and owned and operated by Kristin Short, Ironclad Inspections offers residential inspections in Oregon and Idaho. They have a detailed inspection analysis and work with local laboratories to spot mold, termites, water quality, asbestos, lead, radon, and more. Ironclad Inspections will provide a detailed and accurate report in your hands as soon as possible so you can move forward in the repair and closing process.

With a trusted inspector analyzing the property, you’ll be more capable of making an informed decision about the housing purchase.

Requesting Repairs After a Home Inspection

Once the inspection is complete, you must draft a repair addendum, a formal document attached to the sales contract specifying any repairs the seller must make before the sale is final. To draft one, take the following steps:

1. List specific repairs: Be precise about what the necessary repairs are. For instance, instead of just stating "repair roof," specify "replace missing shingles on the southwest side of the roof and seal leak near the chimney."
2. Refer to the inspection report: Attach relevant excerpts from the inspection report to highlight the issues. Doing so will provide evidence to support your requests.
3. Set deadlines: Include deadlines for completing the repairs. With it, the responsible party will ensure they complete the repair before the closing date with ample time for a re-inspection. 
4. Legal review: Before sending the addendum to the seller, have it reviewed by your real estate attorney to ensure it meets all legal requirements and adequately protects your interests.

You must be strategic in this process. For one, prioritize which repairs you want before the sale and which ones can wait to expedite the sales process. You should also keep an open mind — no house will be perfect, so no home inspection report will come back clean. As such, you shouldn’t expect sellers to address every little thing. From there, you can move on to negotiations. 

Who Pays For Repairs After an Inspection?

Sellers and buyers often negotiate who pays for repairs; the responsibility will vary depending on the situation. For example, if the house’s foundation needs repair, the seller will most likely pay for the future residents' safety and avoid any future legal issues. Sellers may also need to pay for the repairs if they’ve priced the property above market value; however, buyers can use the inspection to negotiate a lower selling price. 

If it’s a seller’s market, where demand exceeds supply, sellers might be less inclined to take on the cost of repairs since they may have multiple offers. Conversely, sellers might be more willing to absorb repair costs to secure a sale in a buyer’s market.

Which Repairs Should Be Prioritized?

Not all repairs that inspectors find in their reports will need immediate action. However, suppose the damage threatens the house's structural integrity, or there is an issue with an essential system, such as the HVAC, electrical, or working systems. If it could harm the resident or cause discomfort, the seller must seek help from a service professional before closing. 

On the other hand, minor repairs, such as wear and tear or outdated appliances or fixtures, are less urgent. Buyers can use these repairs to negotiate a lower selling price and fix them independently.

Whether you are a buyer or a seller in the Treasure Valley area, a Mr. Handyman service professional can handle any minor or major repair so you can close on your home. 

H3: What Happens If a Seller Refuses to Make Requested Repairs?

Buyers have several options if they come across a costly repair in their home inspection, including:

• Renegotiate the purchase price: If the seller is eager to sell the property but doesn’t want to complete or pay for the repairs, they can renegotiate the purchase price to compensate the buyer.
• Request a concession: If the seller wants the house sold at its original purchase price and doesn’t want to complete the repair themselves, buyers can negotiate a concession in which they’ll receive credit from the seller to cover a part or all of the repair costs. 
• Sell as-is: If the house is in high demand, sellers can reasonably ask the buyer to accept the property as-is. However, they must also expect the buyer to leave the sale. 
• Secure an escrow holdback: If the responsible party can’t complete the repairs before closing, commonly due to inclement weather, buyers and sellers can arrange an escrow holdback until one of the parties completes the repairs. 
• Walk away from the deal: If the buyer and seller refuse these options, the seller can walk away. 

Ultimately, your choice will depend on the property, the market, and personal preferences.

How Mr. Handyman Gets Your Home Back In Shape

Fortunately, Mr. Handyman has plenty of experts with experience in fixing, repairing, and remodeling a range of common issues that arise in home inspections so you can move forward in the closing process. From plumbing to electrical repair, we’ve got you covered in the following areas:

• Plumbing: Mr. Handyman offers a variety of plumbing fixes you may need after receiving an inspection, including detecting leaky pipes, addressing water damage, and insulating plumbing.
• Attic remodeling: If your attic has been damaged by water or pests, Mr. Handyman can help restore it to shape.
• Drywall, Ceilings, and Walls: We also offer drywall and ceiling repair, wall finishing, floor installation, and window and door repair, which come with foundation issues.
• Electrical: Mr. Handyman can offer multiple electrical referrals if the need falls outside of our limited scope. 
• Dryer vent repair: Dryer vents can present a fire hazard if you haven’t serviced them recently, which Mr. Handyman can address.

If you look at Mr. Handyman’s reviews, you’ll notice that our experts will fix all of these issues promptly, so you can worry less about these issues and start dreaming of your future home.

How We Work With Inspectors To Ensure Compliance

Once you receive a home inspection report and contact Mr. Handyman, our service professionals will work closely with the inspectors to thoroughly understand the scope and specifics of the recommended repairs. Each professional has a very thorough set of skills across numerous varying trades. 

We only use high-quality materials to ensure these standards and meet high-quality expectations. With it, you won’t have to worry about issues arising in the future, which can also impact the home’s value. 

Throughout the repair process, we maintain open lines of communication with the home inspectors and the homeowners. Everyone will stay informed of the progress and whether any challenges arise. Once we complete the repairs, we will coordinate with the inspectors for a reinspection to ensure all the repairs meet local regulations.

Contact Mr. Handyman today for all your repair needs in the Treasure Valley.

The home inspection process can be nerve-wracking for all parties involved and everyone wants the report to come back clean, but accidents happen. To make your life easier, Mr. Handyman is here. 

Contact our qualified service professionals today to see how we can help! 

FAQs About Home Inspections

What Exactly Is a Home Inspection, and Why Is It Necessary?

A home inspection is a thorough assessment of a property's condition conducted by a professional inspector. It examines structural elements, systems, and other components to identify issues or damage. This process is crucial for buyers and sellers, providing essential information that can influence negotiations, ensure safety, and protect financial investments.

How Should I Prepare My Home for an Inspection?

As a seller, you can prepare your property for an inspection by removing any clutter that could block an inspector from accessing certain areas of the property, such as the furnace, water heater, and electrical panel. You should also ensure all your utilities are operational and instruct the inspector to access the attic, basement, and crawl spaces. You may also want to inform them of any repairs or improvements you’ve made to the property.

Can I Be Present During the Home Inspection?

Yes, you can and should be present during the home inspection. Being there allows you to observe the process and ask questions better to understand the property’s condition through firsthand insights.

Who Pays for the Home Inspection or the Repairs Needed?

Typically, the buyer pays for the home inspection as part of the closing costs when purchasing a property. Buyers and sellers then negotiate over who is responsible for paying for and completing repairs, which can vary depending on the repair itself, the demand for the property, and each party's personal preferences.

What Common Issues Can Mr. Handyman Fix? 

Mr. Handyman hires qualified professionals with experience fixing assorted issues in the following areas: minor electrical, minor plumbing, drywall repair, attic repair, door issues, dryer vent and bathroom vent repair, trim, siding and fencing repair and more.

What Sets Mr. Handyman's Home Repair Services Apart From Others?

Mr. Handyman sets itself apart with its commitment to quality craftsmanship and excellent customer service. We promise to complete all repairs to meet local regulations and exceed your expectations. With our dedication to quality and service, all home buyers and sellers will be satisfied with the care each property receives.