Going through the process of buying a home can be extremely exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. One important step for peace of mind is getting a professional home inspection in Michigan to evaluate the condition of the home and identify any issues. This helps ensure there won’t be any major surprises after closing on your new home.
If you’re buying a home in Michigan, here are some tips for making sure your home inspection Michigan goes as smoothly as possible:
Research Home Inspectors in Advance
Don’t wait until the last minute to find an inspector. Give yourself time to do some research to choose someone experienced and licensed. Look for inspectors who are members of professional organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), which indicate ongoing education and adherence to standards of practice.
Make sure to check reviews from past clients to get a sense of an inspector’s thoroughness, communication skills and professionalism. Once you’ve narrowed it down, meet with your top choice in-person at the home to make sure you feel comfortable with their process.
Be Present for the Inspection
Plan to be at the home for the duration of the inspection so you can follow along as the inspector evaluates each area. This allows you to get clarification on issues as they come up and start making mental notes of repairs you may want to negotiate with the sellers.
Tag along as the inspector checks items like the roof, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, potential water intrusion to basement or crawl spaces, and more. Having this first-hand experience helps you better understand the current state and functioning of all home systems.
Take Detailed Notes & Ask Questions
Come prepared with a notebook and camera to document everything covered during the 2-3 hour inspection. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions if you need clarification on terminology or how serious certain issues are in terms of repairs. The more information you gather, the better prepared you’ll be for next steps.
Jot down which issues need immediate repairs (perhaps before closing) versus ongoing maintenance. Also note any recommendations from the inspector for having specialists evaluate certain areas further, like chimneys, mold concerns, pest infestations, or radon gas exposure.
Review the Written Report Thoroughly
Within a few days after the in-person inspection, you should receive a comprehensive written report summarizing all findings, including small defects that may not have raised eyebrows at the time. Set aside uninterrupted time to review this report closely, keeping your notes and camera handy to match up with items called out.
Make sure you understand the implications of each issue and determine if any warrant re-negotiation with the seller over repair credits or price reduction. For defects you’re willing to take on, factor estimated repair costs into your budget.
Ask About Recommended Contractors for Fixes
For any defects you plan to address after closing, ask your inspector if they have contractor connections they typically recommend for certain repairs or replacements. Veterans of home inspections usually have a good list of electricians, plumbers, roofers, etc. that they partner with frequently to make fixes.
This inside referral makes it much easier to find reputable contractors you can trust to solve problems uncovered in the inspection report. Plus these contractors are familiar with working on common issues found in inspections, so the process tends to go more smoothly.
Don’t Panic Over a Long Inspection List!
It’s very typical for an inspector to generate a list of 30+ items in a home inspection report. Don’t let this alarm you or make you second-guess purchasing the home. Very few properties have a perfectly flawless inspection without any recommended repairs or replacements.
Focus on the condition of major systems like the roof and prioritize any urgent fixes. Understand that many minor defects reflect normal wear-and-tear that comes with any lived-in home. Judicious buyers expect a list – it’s par for the course!
Leverage the Inspection to Negotiate Smartly
Instead of being intimidated by pages of inspection results, use this information to your benefit during purchase negotiations with the seller. Encourage them to make practical repairs pre-closing and offer credits toward major future expenses like a new roof.
Refer to objective third-party insights from your licensed inspector as justification for requesting these allowances. Most sellers expect negotiations around the inspection findings, so as long as you’re reasonable this can work favorably for the buyer.
Getting a quality professional home inspection sets buyers up for making an informed purchasing decision. Following tips like thoroughly researching inspectors, being present for the full evaluation, taking detailed notes, closely reviewing the written report, leaning on contractors for next step advice, and smartly leveraging findings in negotiations can help ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Paying attention to these best practices around home inspections in Michigan prepares buyers to take ownership of a home with eyes wide open to its true condition. There won’t be major unexpected problems right after closing, and buyers can budget responsibly for maintenance and upgrades down the road. Taking the time upfront to understand the home inside and out makes for confident, satisfied buyers who feel ready to take care of their major investment for years to come.
