Getting a house inspected before you agree to buy is essential in ensuring that you pay for a quality house that is up to your standards. It also will ease the burden of paying for repair costs that you might encounter if you didn’t get a home inspector to check for the damages. Moreover, it can also use the inspection report to negotiate with the seller regarding the price of their house.
If it’s your first time hiring someone to check your house for potential problems, you might be wondering whether you should pay the home inspector before or after conducting the inspection. Here are some of the answers to the buyer’s frequently asked questions regarding a home inspection.
When Should You Pay the Home Inspector?
If you’re buying a house, a home inspection is one of the many things you need to pay for when closing. However, unlike other closing costs, you should pay the home inspector at the time of service, not after closing the house.
You should also pay for the service before the inspection. Depending on the preference of the inspector, they might ask for you to pay when you set a schedule for the inspection. Some are willing to be paid on the day of the inspection.
After the process, you’ll have to wait for 3-4 days for them to prepare the full report. They can send it to you via a PDF file through email or other online communication means. You can also pick up the report from their office if it’s much more convenient.
How Should You Pay the Home Inspector?
Another question that is typically brought up is whether you should pay the home inspector with cash, check, or credit card. The short answer is that it depends on your preference.
Most charges involved in buying a house cannot be paid via credit card. However, other fees called Paid Outside of Closing (POC) charges can be paid via credit cards. This includes home inspection, home appraisal, and homeowners’ insurance.
Traditionally, home inspectors are paid with cash or check, depending on how long they inspected your home. But in the modern age, home inspectors can be paid via credit card or even other payment processing apps such as PayPal.
You’ll have to communicate with the inspector so they can bring a POS if necessary. You can also ask the home inspector about their preferred payment method before the scheduled home inspection.
Other Related FAQs
How Long Does Inspection Typically Last?
An inspection usually lasts two to four hours for a typical 2,000 square feet American house. If there are more rooms or floors to inspect, it might take longer. Be sure to clear an entire afternoon for the entire inspection process, if possible.
What’s Included in a Home Inspection Report?
A typical home inspector will check for the following things:
- HVAC system
- Electrical system
- Appliances
- Attic
- Mold
- Plumbing
- Chimneys and fireplaces
However, you might want to double-check what’s included in the inspection by checking their website or contacting them before you hire them for the process.
Specialty inspections can be added to the process for additional fees. This may include radon, pest, or septic system inspections. Since they cost more, only ask for these inspections if you think it’s necessary. The cost of these specialty home inspections can range from $75 to more than $1,000 on top of the original home inspection cost.
Should I Be There During the Inspection?
Your presence is not entirely required during the home inspection, but it’s highly advised. You can watch the inspector do their work and ask some questions you might have regarding the house. However, be sure that you won’t get in their way while they are doing their job.
Should the Buyer or Seller Pay For The Inspection?
The payment for the home inspection process is typically shouldered by the seller. This process is not required when closing the house but is critical in ensuring that you’re getting your money’s worth. Also, you can use the inspection report as leverage to get the house at a much lower price.
There are cases wherein the seller can agree to pay for the inspection. This agreement can be made, but it’s very rare. It’s still best that you oversee and pay for the home inspection since it’s in your best interest to find all issues in the house.
