Buying a home is both a cherished dream and one of the most expensive decisions of one’s life. In many cases, it houses two to three generations. Owning a home not only provides a sense of security but also instills pride. For most, it is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase and a significant milestone. In the excitement of acquiring a new home, buyers often become overwhelmed and overlook the most crucial step before moving in – a professional home inspection.
What is a Home Inspection?
A home inspection is a thorough quality assessment of a property conducted by qualified experts. This inspection utilizes NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) methodology and is carried out with the help of advanced instruments. At the end of the inspection, a detailed report is provided, highlighting all underlying defects in the property.
What is Covered in a Home Inspection?
All aspects of a property, including flooring, wall finishes, ceilings, electrical systems, plumbing, doors, windows, kitchen cabinets, and balconies, are thoroughly inspected for both major and minor defects. Common issues like dampness and seepage, which may not be visibly apparent, can be easily detected by home inspection experts using thermal scanning.
Why Get a Home Inspection Done?
A professional home inspection helps you understand the actual condition of your property. Before making a purchase decision, an inspection can reveal various issues within the property. The report allows you to estimate the cost of necessary repairs and assess the true value of your investment. As a smart buyer, you can also use this report to negotiate a better deal with the seller.
If you are an existing property owner, a home inspection report can help you address issues in your house in a timely manner before they become irreparable.
If you are taking possession of a property from a builder, getting a home inspection is essential. This allows you to request the builder to fix any defects before accepting possession.
For rental properties, an inspection brings much-needed transparency between landlords and tenants, particularly when determining the use of the security deposit for repairs.
Cost vs. Benefit of a Home Inspection
The value of properties today generally ranges from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 1 crore. The cost of a home inspection is typically around 0.1% of the property’s value. Investing this amount ensures the security of your most valuable asset. Moreover, the average cost of repairing defects found in a home inspection report—especially in brand-new properties—can range between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh. You can save this amount by requesting your builder to fix all the defects mentioned in the inspection report before accepting possession.
Whether you are purchasing an old property or taking possession of a new one from a builder, a professional home inspection should be a mandatory step. Protect yourself from unpleasant surprises—it’s about your most valuable possession, after all.
Authored by Saurabh Tyagi, Co-founder and CEO of PropChk
