Whether you’re a first-time or experienced homebuyer, a home inspection can help you make an informed purchase decision.

When to Order

As a contingency to purchase …
A property inspection should be ordered immediately after reaching a written purchase agreement with a seller. Most real estate purchase agreements include a clause making the purchase contingent on a home inspection. If not, ask about it. Once the inspection is complete and approved, the contingency is removed and the parties move forward with the sale of the home.

To give you peace of mind …
For some, planning for future repairs or maintenance is the main reason for an inspection. You can gain peace of mind regarding the condition of a new property anytime following purchase. Your NPI inspection report is a helpful tool to help pinpoint areas of your home that may need monitoring or maintenance over time.

About 60 percent of homebuyers who responded to a survey by the U.S. General Accounting Office indicated that the results of a home inspection influenced their decision to buy. Seventy percent of respondents surveyed indicated that a professional inspection "helped them feel more comfortable with their purchase decision." More information on the GAO survey and the benefits of home inspection can be found in "Home Inspectors Provide Savings, Peace of Mind to Homebuyers" by Michael J. McDermott. 

Follow-up Inspections ...

Consider follow-up inspections with your NPI inspector in five or 10 year increments to track maintenance and safety issues. These can be valuable tools for impressing future buyers when you choose to sell your home, smoothing the way through negotiations and ultimately a better price

Scheduling
Inspections are scheduled promptly when you call. Several people may be involved in a real estate transaction – real estate agents, lenders, even attorneys. NPI Inspectors understand the importance of working with you to complete the inspection in a timely manner to keep the process moving.

Your Role
We encourage you to attend the inspection. We review all significant findings with you following the inspection and then follow-up with a professionally-prepared written report you can refer to as needed. Keep in mind few homes are in perfect condition. Most will need some maintenance over time. Plenty of options exist to address all kinds of maintenance issues. You know your budget and expectations best. In fact, you will want to keep future maintenance in mind from the beginning of the home buying process. Train yourself while your “just looking” to pick out things that might require repair or replacement later.