When buying a property, home buyers are not always required to get a home inspection. And if that is the case, many people elect to skip them altogether since they are an extra expense and can extend the closing date. That is almost always a bad idea, however, as it makes the purchase quite a gamble. Here's a look at why getting a home inspection is always a smart move.

Learn About Maintenance Needs

During a property inspection, inspectors look from the roof to foundation for potential problems. They mark down all the imperfections they come across, including:

• Water leaks
• Foundation cracks
• Holes in the siding
• Missing caulk around windows and doors
• Hanging gutters
• Rotting deck boards
• Loose railings
• Signs of pests

Although these problems might not prevent the sale of the home, they can serve as a good guideline on the work that needs to be done upon move-in. Home buyers can use this list to spruce up the place and prevent additional problems down the road.

Reveal Potentially Costly Problems

While they examine the interior and exterior of the home, inspectors also write down the major issues they discover. If the leak in the roof is caused by extensive damage, they will provide detailed notes about the extent of the problem. The same goes for damage to the foundation, especially if it makes the property unsafe to live in. Their report will indicate if the property will need extensive repairs to remain habitable or to prevent the problems from quickly escalating in the near future.

Verify Everything Is Up to Code and Properly Permitted

As they inspect the property, inspectors use a local building codebook to verify everything is built up to code. During this process, they will look at the:

• Plumbing system
• Electrical outlets
• Windows
• Doors
• HVAC system
• Insulation
• Chimney
• Deck and railings

They also compare the floor plan to the blueprints and permits to check for unpermitted work. If the house appears to have an extra bathroom or deck not listed in those documents, they will let the buyers know, so they can avoid having to redo the work down the line.

Get Leverage for Price Negotiations

With an inspection report in hand, home buyers can point out what's wrong with the residence. They can ask the sellers to handle the repairs before closing or decrease the price to cover the expense. If the negotiations do not pan out, then they can often use the inspection report findings to back out of the purchase without penalty. They will need to pay for another inspection on the next home that suits their fancy, but that is a small price to pay to avoid major home repair costs.

Gain Peace of Mind About the Purchase

When home buyers submit their offer and receive the acceptance letter, uncertainties abound as they go into closing. With a home inspection, they can fall back on the info in the report for peace of mind. As they review the inspector's findings, it is possible to create a maintenance plan and reassure themselves that hidden problems are not likely.

By choosing to have a home inspection performed, everyone can move forward with confidence they have made the right choice. Although it is not a 100% satisfaction guarantee, a home inspection goes a long way.