As we all know that home inspection is a crucial part of the home-buying process. A thorough inspection can reveal significant issues that could impact a property’s value and may even prevent a sale from moving forward. A Licensed Home Inspector spends hours at a house looking for any sign of trouble. The process is hands-on and often crowded. Well, the question is, is this still possible during a pandemic?
The home inspection process has slightly changed during the pandemic. Inspectors, real estate agents, homeowners as well as the potential buyers are getting creative. The process is still hands-on, but there are a few extra steps included. The pandemic may have altered the way inspections happen, but it hasn’t changed the fundamental role of the inspector.
Firstly, we’ll talk about what goes into a home inspection.
During a Home Inspection, the inspector evaluates every aspect of the structure. The inspector looks for health or safety issues, which can compromise the longevity of the house or a part of the home. In the end, the inspector offers advice about how to remediate any issues discovered during the inspection.
Although the home inspection is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged. As a homebuyer, you will take on a substantial amount of debt, and a home inspection can provide peace of mind. Buyers generally focus on gathering as much information as possible to safeguard themselves.
Let’s talk about home inspection during COVID-19.
Home inspections, like many areas of life, are quite different now because of the pandemic. Everyone involved in the process has to follow the drill, which you might be familiar with: wear a mask, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer. Now, this makes the home inspection a bit safer during the pandemic.
Right now, buyers should limit the number of people present at the inspection. Now, as a home seller, if you are having your home inspected during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some steps you should follow.
- If you have symptoms of the virus, postpone the inspections.
- Avoid shaking hands
- Make arrangement for children and the elderly to be out of the home during the inspection
- Be sure that anyone entering the house, maintains social distance
- Leave cabinets and door open for the inspector to browse
- Disinfect your home after the home inspection, especially commonly touched areas.
Other home inspection consideration during the COVID-19
For a buyer, a virtual tour is one way to limit face-to-face interaction during the pandemic. The licensed home inspectors have done this in the past with buyers who lived far from the inspected home. Not being able to see the inspection might seem stressful, but you should also weigh the risks regarding coronavirus.
Also, if the home inspection report reveals that there’s work to be done, the first thing to consider is whether the repairs demand immediate attention or they are more cosmetic and can wait.
The Bottom Line
In order to ensure the safety of everyone involved in the home inspection process, fewer people are encouraged to attend. Also, people attending the inspection are encouraged to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash hands and sanitize anything they touch.