Buying a home is a significant milestone filled with excitement and anticipation. However, the process can also be intricate and overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the nuances of home inspections.
If you’re looking to buy a home in Baltimore, MD, the significance of a comprehensive home inspection cannot be overstated. A thorough home inspection not only provides valuable insights into the condition of a property but also offers peace of mind, so you can make informed decisions. In this Redfin article, we will delve into the importance of getting a home inspection in Maryland. Plus, we’ve got insights straight from local home inspection experts who’ll be sharing their best advice on the subject. Let’s get started.
Why should you get a home inspection in Maryland?
A house is likely the most expensive purchase of your life, and getting an inspection is the only way to ensure that you are making a sound investment.
“A home inspection is crucial and valuable for many reasons,” says Austin Callahan of Callahan Inspection Services. “Not only will it allow you to fully discover the issues your home may have, but it can also uncover some serious safety hazards that may affect you and/or your loved ones. A home inspector can also let you know what kind of things require routine maintenance to extend the life and efficiency of the systems in your home.”
“A home inspection should be a requirement for the future homeowner’s protection,” says Chris Lord, owner of Invision Home Inspections. “Invest a couple of hundred dollars now to protect thousands in the future. You are buying peace of mind and sometimes training if you participate in the inspection.”
Are there any specialized inspections that Maryland buyers should consider?
“Lead paint is common in Maryland, especially in homes built before the 1950s,” says Matthew Schelberg of Shell Home Inspections. “Builders would often use paint from the shipyards. If a buyer expects to have young children in the home, it’s a good idea to consider a lead paint inspection. This can tell you what components have lead paint, so you can take proper measures during future renovations.”
In addition to testing for lead paint, Dimitrios Bitsanis of OBSERVE Home Inspections recommends inspections for radon and termites.
Are home inspections required in Maryland?
“It is not required to get a home inspection in Maryland, but some lenders may require it,” according to Patrick and Natasha Hammond of 360 Home Inspections. “A home inspection is highly recommended for the buyer to ensure that you are purchasing a property you are comfortable with and is not going to put you in financial distress, whether it is a pre-existing home or a new build.”
How much does a home inspection cost in Maryland?
“The cost of a home inspection typically varies based on the type and size of the home, foundation type, and age,” says John Stavlas of Stavlas Home Inspections. “Plan to spend $350-$400 for a condo and $450-$600 for a single-family detached home.”
Can you sell a house in Maryland without an inspection?
Yes, you can sell a house in Maryland without a home inspection. However, many buyers in Maryland opt to have one as part of their due diligence process to ensure they’re making an informed decision about the condition of the property.
Scott Donnelly of High Tech Inspections, Inc. adds, “Sellers do not need a pre-sale inspection in Maryland. However, having a pre-sale inspection allows you to address any major issues that may scare away a buyer. A thorough inspection report you can share with buyers may also help them feel more at ease and perhaps opt not to have their own independent inspection.”
Expert advice for Maryland buyers before they get a home inspection
“A good home inspection can be so thorough that you get cold feet when you review it,” says Daniel Sperling-Horowitz, CEO of OfferMarket. “That’s why we recommend reviewing the home inspection report with your real estate agent and a trusted contractor. We also encourage you to call the home inspector to go over any concerns. In a buyer’s market, the home inspection can also serve as leverage to request seller concessions to address legitimate concerns in the inspection report.”
For those who are unsure whether a full inspection is necessary, an inspector can do a basic walk-through of a home to identify any major red flags. “A walk-through is simply a one to two-hour visit to the property with the inspector, the client, and their agent,” says Neil Summers of Neil Summers Home Inspections. “This may be the only time the buyer can see the home through an inspector’s eyes before committing to purchase.” Summers stresses that even with a walk-through, buyers should always get a full home inspection.
Maryland home inspection: the bottom line
Buying a home is one of the biggest life decisions you can make. Before you finalize the purchase of your dream home, a Maryland home inspection will give you peace of mind before buying.
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