I already own my home, should I get a home inspection?

Absolutely. Whether you just bought a home or you have owned your home for 20 years, there is no time like the present to get a home inspection. A home inspection can identify a huge range of issues, from regular maintenance items and tips from your Home Inspector to systems and components that, if not repaired immediately, are a safety hazard or a significant issue in the home. 

“Oh wow! I didn’t know that’s why it wasn’t working”  -  “Oh, I never knew that was there…!” “Oh, that’s what I need to do to fix that!” -These are things we have heard on our inspections, from homeowners that have lived in their homes for years, who now realize that there are so many things they didn’t even know about the home- and just found out on the home inspection. And if you just got the home, there’s no time like the present to learn about it. If you weren’t able to get a home inspection during the purchase process, at least now you can find out if there are any critical health and safety issues in the home. 

Many new homeowners are also considering doing upgrades or renovations to their homes. Getting a home inspection can help get a jump on what is going to be involved, and help to prioritize and sequence any repairs and modifications to the home. Another thing to consider, if you just bought the home, or if you’ve been there for years, is ways to upgrade your home for added energy efficiency and utilities savings. There are a number of ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency and save money, and a home inspection can help to not only identify those areas, but also to help understand how they would take place, and if they are possible depending on the home’s type, age, and construction (for example: upgrading to a new energy-efficient heating system, adding solar panels, or installing/upgrading insulation in the home.)

We always recommend a home inspection. It is some of the best money you can spend on your home because it helps in so many ways to inform you about the home you live in. In addition to that, your home inspector has no incentive to “sell” you on anything - products, services, or other programs - because they don’t make any money if they do. Home Inspectors are the most independent professional in the Real Estate and Construction industries, and so who better than they to help you understand your home?

How can I find a Home Inspector? Check out our article here, and also ask around - check with friends and family, or if you are stumped, start by checking out ashi.org (American Society of Home Inspectors) for some professionals in your area. Check their work by reading a sample report, asking them questions, and vetting them on review sites like google and yelp.

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And best of luck (and years of enjoyment) with your new home!