In buying or selling a home, a home inspection is essential. For the seller, an inspection is important, to prevent any unexpected surprises from the buyer’s inspection that may require a renegotiation of the sale price. For the buyer, an inspection will reveal hidden defects.
Even though seller may have lived in the house for years, they may not be aware of hidden or unknown conditions that might require a renegotiation of the sale price (always a stressful situation) or prevent the sale from closing. Such conditions might be foundation or roofing problems, or electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems that are not up to code. It is always best to have an inspection prior to putting the house on market. Then a decision can be made to repair the condition or adjust the sale price, which would make the home easier to sell.
For the buyer, an inspection is essential, so that you are aware of what problems you might be facing and as a tool to renegotiate the price, if you still want to go through with the deal. Note that most real estate contracts will give you a limited time to make an inspection (typically 10 days), so you must act quickly. It is best to line up an inspector, prior to making an offer.
It is highly recommended that you use a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) to do a home inspection as opposed to someone who holds themselves out as a “home inspector”. Many home inspectors are licensed by the State of Texas, however the education, training, qualifications, and permitted responsibilities of a PE, are of a much higher standard than that of a home inspector. A PE may cost more than a home inspector, but as in most things, you get what you pay for.
For more detailed information on home, inspections go to:
https://www.homelight.com/blog/how-home-inspection-works/