Buyer Inspection

Buying a home in Hawaii is usually your largest investment. A buyer inspection is a thorough evaluation of a property to identify any issues or concerns that could impact the value or safety of the property. As a buyer, it is helpful to know why a home inspection is important, what to expect, and what issues your inspector is typically looking for in a Hawaii home.

Why Are Buyer Inspections Important?

Buyer inspections identify issues or concerns, allowing you to make an informed decision before purchasing a property. These issues may not be immediately visible, and a buyer inspection can reveal problems that could potentially cause expensive repairs down the road. The report may help you negotiate a purchase price and plan for future repairs and maintenance costs.

What to Expect During a Buyer Inspection

The inspector will evaluate the property’s interior and exterior including the foundation, roof, electrical and plumbing systems, heating and cooling systems, and more. Additional structures on the property, such as a garage, shed, or ohana unit will also be inspected.

Buyer inspections typically take a few hours to complete, depending on the size of the property. The inspector will take notes and photographs of any issues or concerns found. You will receive a detailed report, including photographs, highlighting any issues found.

What Issues Do Buyer Inspectors Look For?

During a buyer inspection, the inspector will look for a wide range of issues that could impact the property’s value or safety. These may include:

• Structural Issues: This includes any cracks in the foundation or walls, uneven floors, or any other issues with the property’s structure.
• Roof Issues: This includes any issues with the property’s roof, such as leaks, missing shingles, or any other issues that could potentially cause water damage.
• Electrical Issues: This includes any issues with the property’s electrical system, such as outdated wiring or any other issues that could potentially cause a fire.
• Plumbing Issues: This includes any issues with the property’s plumbing system, such as leaks, clogs, or any other issues that could potentially cause water damage.
• HVAC Issues: This includes any issues with the property’s heating and cooling systems, such as outdated equipment, improper installation, or any other issues that could potentially cause a safety hazard.
• Environmental Issues: This includes any issues with the property’s environment, such as mold, radon, or any other issues that could potentially cause health problems for occupants.

What Happens After a Buyer Inspection?

After the buyer inspection is complete, the buyer will receive a copy of the inspection report. If any issues are found during the inspection, the buyer may request that the seller make repairs before finalizing the sale. Alternatively, the buyer may negotiate a lower purchase price for the property to account for any repairs that need to be made. If the seller agrees to make repairs, a second inspection may be required to ensure that all repairs have been completed satisfactorily.

Conclusion

Buyer inspections are an essential part of the home-buying process. If you are considering buying a home, a qualified buyer home inspector will help you make an informed purchase decision.