Old Does Not Mean Defect: Your Nashville Home Inspection and Why You Need One

Here’s your guide to everything you need to know about a home inspection in Nashville.

Whether built brand new or a hundred years old, there’s a home for everyone in Nashville’s housing market. And when it comes to finding your perfect one, what you don’t see is what really matters. Here’s a breakdown of the home inspection process and why you need one.

Your home inspection

A home inspection is where you—the buyer—will hire a professional to do an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of what is considered “livable space” in your potential new home. This is your time to understand exactly what it is you’re buying. The home inspection is done during the due-diligence period after your offer is accepted. This period is crucial because it allows you to walk away from your binding agreement with the seller for any reason. Here’s an example of what is on a standard home inspector’s report in Tennessee.

A typical inspection period is about ten days. Anything can be inspected during this period—a pool, radon gas emissions, termites, sewers, mold, everything from the roof to the foundation. Keep in mind, anything not considered “livable space” is an add-on cost-wise to your inspection report. It is very important to work with third-party professionals in this industry and not your cousin to save money, for obvious reasons.

When the home inspection period is over you have three options: accept the property as is, walk away, or ask the seller for non-cosmetic repairs or money towards your closing costs.

Home inspectors don’t look at cosmetic issues (wall dings, floor scratches) or minor issues (cabinets coming off hinges, light bulbs out), difficult to reach areas, or potentially dangerous to reach areas. Sound systems, security systems, irrigation, and anything else not pertinent to how you live in a home are not included in an inspection.

What you should know

After your inspection, you will get an inspection report. This is your guide book to your new home. It will be packed with photos and great detail on what is wrong with your potential new home. Don’t sweat the small stuff, instead focus on the big things—like a new roof—when negotiating repairs with the seller. Ask yourself what is the most valuable?

In the Nashville area, inspections will cost between $400-$600. Re-inspections and any add-ons are about half an inspection fee.

Inspections are not a perfect process. There are unknowns that won’t come up in the inspection but will come up after you purchase your home. If you are concerned about the what-ifs and unforeseen costs in the first year of owning your home, you may want to look into getting a home warranty plan.

Don’t skip it, ever.

Every home, whether new or old, is going to have problems with it. My advice? Don’t skip your home inspection, ever. You should always know exactly what it is you are buying.

Have more questions about the home inspection process or need tips on finding a trusted home inspector in Tennessee? Get in touch, I’m here to help.