The Home Inspection Duration
Buying a home is an exciting yet challenging time. One of the most important parts of a real estate transaction is the home inspection. Have ever wondered, “How long does it take to do a home inspection?” If your home buying or selling process needs to be completed by a certain time, it is important to have an answer to this question. The time requirement for a home inspection depends on several key factors.
Size of the House
One of the primary factors in considering how long it will take to perform a home inspection is the size of the house. An 800 square foot, one-level cottage will require less time to inspect when compared with a 3,000 square foot, multi-story home. Another consideration is the home’s architectural style. A house with an attic and a basement will take more time to be examined compared with a home with a slab foundation and no attic.
Location of the House
Houses located in desert environments may be easier to inspect because there are fewer items of interest such as rain gutters, downspouts and heat pumps. A house that is built into the side of a hill may need special inspections in order to check on the stability of the surrounding soil. Homes located in areas where there is naturally occurring radon require additional inspections to check for the presence of radon gas.
Age of the House
Houses built more than 50 years ago may need to have extra attention during the inspection of their foundations and framing. Older homes may have foundations shifting out of place or worn mortar between the concrete blocks or stones. Older houses may also have materials that are now recognized as dangerous, such as knob and tube wiring, asbestos insulation or lead paint. The presence of any of these materials may necessitate a more in-depth inspection and additional testing.
Risk of Hazards
Some houses are more at risk of certain hazards than others. If the house has had a past fire, earthquake damage or a roof leak, certain areas of the home may require more attention. Homes with an older furnace or a boiler system may need closer inspection of their mechanical components. The presence of a septic system also requires an in-depth study of the system’s functioning.
In addition to these considerations, you can also ask the inspector, “How long does it take to do a home inspection?” Most inspectors can give you a general idea of how long it will take them to go over a particular home. Keep in mind that unexpected issues such as the presence of pests or foul weather can slow down the inspection process, so be sure to allot enough time for the inspection to be completed before any of your key deadlines pass.
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