After a home inspection, you need to know what you have to fix immediately after.
Home inspectors usually find two kinds of repairs: those that need to be done and those that don’t.
The ones that are required are all about safety and need to be done before the store closes. Some states have rules that homes must follow, and big problems like building flaws or bad wiring can make it hard to get a loan.
If you didn’t skip it in your offer, you should be able to do a home check when you buy a house. Once everything is checked out, you can ask the seller to fix some things, which usually means more haggling.
Some things, like smoke and carbon monoxide monitors, are required by law in most states, but not much else.
Winters in Maine can be harsh; buyers often won’t buy a house that doesn’t have a good heating system. After that, it’s normally up to the buyers to make fixes so that their loan comes through.
Figuring out what fixes are mandatory after a home inspection and which can wait helps everyone stay reasonable.
What Fixes are Mandatory After a Home Inspection
Knowing what repairs are needed after a home inspection is a big deal for both buyers and sellers, especially when it comes to what lenders expect.
An interested buyer would usually want fixes for serious issues like structural issues, building code violations, or safety concerns in spots like attics, basements, and chimneys and furnaces.
Inspectors also check things like your septic system, heater, and if there’s any radon or termite trouble — things that homeowners worry about.
If these problems pop up during inspection, sellers usually have to deal with them. That means getting quotes from contractors to either fix things up or offer buyers credit so they can handle it themselves. It’s a quicker way to get things sorted and move on with selling your place.
Buyers going with FHA loans have even more to think about, like having enough exits from bedrooms, a leak-free roof, and a solid structure, all based on HUD’s rules.
Technically, there aren’t any repairs that you absolutely have to do after an inspection, but states and lenders often have safety standards that could force you to fix things like adding smoke alarms or updating plumbing.
Sorting out who pays for what can get tricky, but a good real estate agent can help negotiate who handles what repairs, making sure you meet all the rules and get to closing smoothly.
These are the mandatory fixes after home inspections. What are the nonessential fixes?
Non-Essential Fixes After an Inspection
You don’t have to fix everything found in a home inspection. Cosmetic issues or normal wear and tear usually don’t require fixing right away, according to most inspection contracts.
Normal wear and tears, worn-out paint, etc, can’t cause much harm in the long run right? So initially, you can let it slide. Of course it is entirely up to you to get it repaired as well but it is better to focus on structures and foundation first.
They typically focus on structural defects, building code violations, or safety concerns like what you find in attics, basements, or around chimneys and furnaces.
State laws can also affect what you’re responsible for as a seller when issues come up during an inspection.
It’s a good idea to check your local laws to understand exactly what falls under your responsibility as a seller.
This way, you can navigate negotiations with buyers more confidently and make informed decisions about which repairs to address.
If this is your first time buying a house and going through the whole process of finding inspectors and getting your house inspected, there are a few things you need to know:
First things first, finding a solid inspector is key. You want someone who’s thorough and trustworthy. Ask friends for recommendations or scout online reviews to find someone who’s got your back.
Once you’ve got your inspector lined up, brace yourself for what they might uncover. They’ll comb through everything from the roof to the plumbing and electrical. Don’t be shocked if they spot things you missed.
Not everything they find means instant repairs. Little cosmetic quirks or normal wear and tear? Usually not a big deal. Focus on the hefty stuff like major fixes or safety snags that could mess with your living situation.
Lastly, know your rights as a buyer. Some inspection contracts limit what you can ask to get fixed, so it’s good to know the score. And check local laws to see what the seller’s on the hook for fixing.
Now, you are probably wondering where to find a home inspector reliable enough to perform a home inspection in Maine.
Reliable Home Inspection Services in Maine
You know what a home inspection is, you know why it’s important, and you also know what fixes are mandatory after a home inspection. What you now need to know is who to choose to perform the home inspection in the first place!
Choosing the right home inspection company should be a priority for first-time homeowners.
One reliable option to consider is Main Choice Inspections. We are known for our reliable home inspection services right here in Maine. We can guarantee that we will get the job done.
We will inspect your potential new place, checking everything from top to bottom so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
It is common to look for reviews and feedback from clients when you are looking for an inspection company. And guess what? We have thousands of those.
After all, this inspection sets the stage for your whole homeownership journey. So pick up the phone and call Main Choice Inspections.