What you need to know about home inspections in Virginia before you move in

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Getting a home inspection is an important part of the home-buying process and experts are warning people to take it seriously.

Buying a home is the most expensive purchase many people will make in their lifetime. That is why real estate experts say weighing your options and knowing potential risks when getting an inspection is important.

8News spoke with realtor Richard Thexton with Bob Firestone & Company Real Estate. He says he’s helped homebuyers avoid problems in their home for more than a decade.

According to Thexton, the inspection process plays a big role in avoiding these problems. Here, homebuyers have the opportunity for a third party to inspect a home from top to bottom and identify any problems.

During the pandemic, when home prices skyrocketed and supply decreased, Thexton says he noticed some buyers would pass on getting an inspection to make their offer more competitive or save some money.

Home inspections could cost anywhere from $400 to $700 depending on the size of the home and the company. However, Thexton says, no matter if you are looking to purchase a new build or an older home, paying a couple of hundred dollars now could save buyers thousands in the future.

During the home inspection, Thexton says the buyer should be present to ask questions and follow along with the inspection process.

When buyers are looking to purchase a new build, they can be taken through a pre-drywall inspection to examine the structure, framing, plumbing and electrical work. During the final inspection, buyers will see everything from top to bottom to make sure everything is working properly.

If you decide to pass on getting an inspection, Thexton recommends financially preparing for any repairs that will be needed. If you have already purchased your home, you can still get an inspection to determine the condition of your home.

Thexton says keeping up with your inspections every three to five years will allow you to keep up with the repairs and avoid bigger problems in the long run.

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