Congratulations you made an offer on a home in Northern VA and it was accepted! The next hurdle is the home inspected if you were able to negotiate this in your contract. Here are some tips on what to expect from a home inspection in Northern VA.

It is customary in Northern VA to complete the home inspections within 7-10 Days. Most likely your agent made your offer contingent on a clean home inspection with a deadline. In the allotted time frame you will need complete the home inspection and provide the report with a list of negotiating terms to the seller.

The Northern VA contingency allows for negotiating items to be repaired or a seller cash credit at settlement to cover the repairs. You also have the choice to walk away if the deficiencies identified by the inspector are too substantial or concerning. Your agent can advise you on the best course of action once the report is filed.

How to Choose an Inspector

Your agent will most likely have a short list of inspectors that they have worked with in the past that they can recommend to you. Realtor.com suggests that you consider the following 5 areas when choosing the right home inspector for you:

• Qualifications – find out what’s included in your inspection & if the age or location of your home may warrant specific certifications or specialties.

• Sample Reports – ask for a sample inspection report so you can review how thoroughly they will be inspecting your future home. The more detailed the report, the better in most cases.

• References – do your homework – ask for phone numbers and names of past clients that you can call to ask about their experience.

• Memberships – Inspectors may belong to a national or state association of home inspectors. Membership in one of these organizations often means that there is continued training and education provided. Membership in one of these groups should not be the only way to evaluate your choice. ASHI and NSHI are two common membership of Home Inspectors in Northern VA.

• Errors & Omission Insurance – Find out what the liability of the inspector or inspection company is once the inspection is over. The inspector is only human after all, and it is possible that they might miss something they should have seen. Keep in mind, there are some things they just can’t see or have access to inspect.

During the Inspection

Ask your inspector if it’s ok for you to tag along during the inspection, that way they can point out anything that should be addressed or fixed. The price and time necessary to complete the inspection will depend on the size and condition of the home. Normally inspectors will offer a morning inspection starting at 9am or an afternoon inspection at 1pm.

Don’t be surprised to see your inspector climbing on the roof, crawling around in the attic, and on the floors. The job of the inspector is to protect your investment and find any issues with the home, including but not limited to: the roof, plumbing, electrical components, appliances, heating & air conditioning systems, ventilation, windows, the fireplace & chimney, the foundation and so much more!

Your home inspector will inspect the home itself but be prepared to hire separate inspectors for these items if necessary.

• Septic System

• Well Water

• Pool

• Sprinkler System

• Radon Inspection

• Wood Destroying Insect Inspection (Termite)

• Lead Base Paint Inspection

The Next Move

They say ‘ignorance is bliss,’ but not when investing your hard-earned money in a home of your own. Work with professionals you can trust to give you the most information possible about your new home so that you can make the most educated decision about your purchase.