What is a Home Inspection and Why it's Important

A home inspection is a non-invasive, visual examination of a residential property. It is designed to identify technical defects that are both observed and deemed material by the inspector. The scope of work depends on the property size and relies on global and local standards of practice.

Home inspections are essential and will make sure that homebuyers avoid future unforeseen maintenance costs. For example, replacing damaged AC parts can cost AED 25,000+. The home inspection will identify critical defects that are either costly or lengthy to fix. Being aware of such defects before closing a deal will help avoid further costs.

A home inspection is a key and crucial step along the process of buying a new home. Home inspections target all types of real estate deals and clients. A home inspection is essential for home buyers buying an existing home from an individual / company and home buyers purchasing an off-plan home and expecting a handover. A home inspection is also essential for home sellers selling an existing home.

For home buyers purchasing an existing home, a home inspection comes before signing the deal. Home buyers seek technical assistance from experts to conduct an in-depth inspection of their future home. This is an essential step that ensures full transparency when closing the deal.

The home inspectors will make sure that the buyer of the real estate property is fully aware of its condition. The inspection report also helps in negotiating a better deal with the home seller.

For home buyers who bought their house off-plan, and at the date of handover, the main concern is receiving a home that meets the “on-paper” expectations. Does the actual property match with the beautiful drawings that they have been dreaming about? A home inspection highlights any existing issues for the developer to fix before the handover of the dream home. Following the handover date, typically, developers offer a 12-month Defect Liability Period (DLP) or in other words, a warranty period. A homebuyer can also conduct a home inspection towards the end of this period. This will make sure that the developer will fix any issues that arose during the past 12 months before the end of the warranty.

For home sellers, a home inspection is key to boost trust about the technical condition of the property. A home inspection also helps in accelerating the sales process.

Outside stakeholders should make sure to inspect the property and be aware of any critical issues before closing any transaction.

Some Frequently Asked Questions about Home Inspection

What is Covered in a Home Inspection?

The home inspection includes a scan of the finishing condition, electrical &plumbing systems, noise & air & thermal insulation, moisture content in surfaces, civil structure, AC performance, roofs, and more.

The inspection report is a technical scan of the home condition. It covers all areasand relies on common real estate defects.

A defect is a specific issue with a system or component of a residential property that may have a major, adverse impact on the value of the property, or that poses an unreasonable risk to people. The aim of a home inspection is to identify water leaks, below par AC power, paint & finishing issues, fire risk, insulation and impact on energy bills, air quality and moisture presence, and more.

What is not Covered in a Home Inspection?

A home inspection will not identify concealed or latent defects. It will not deal with aesthetic concerns, or matters of taste, cosmetic defects, etc. An inspection will not predict the life expectancy of the property or any components or systems. It will not include items not permanently installed.

A home inspection will not predict the market value / marketability of a property. An inspection also does not determine the advisability on the purchase of the property.

How Long does a Home Inspection Take?

For apartments, the home Snagging Inspection takes between 1.5-4 hours. For an average villa / townhouse, it typically takes slightly more time but not more than 1 day on average. After the end of the home inspection, a team of other engineers reviews the inspection report. The team then shares the report with clients. In most cases, clients receive the report on the same day.

To begin a home inspection, the client first shares all available relevant documentswith the inspection company. This includes drawings, historical maintenance reports, previous inspection reports, and other material. It is also advised to have electricity and water connected when doing the inspection.If this is not possible, the inspectors will conduct a visual scan of the electrical and plumbing systems, which limits the ability to identify issues.

What Happens during a Home Inspection?

Engineers / inspectors use their experience and knowledge of common real estate issuesto provide the most accurate technical opinion.

Inspectors use special tools for the different tests. This includes socket testers, thermal imaging cameras, hygrometers, air quality meters, moisture detection devices, and more.

Engineers at Properscan use technology tools and a proprietary software to conduct the home inspection. The Properscan software is standardized and makes sure to highlight all issues, even the smallest ones.

What Happens after a Home Inspection?

At the end of the inspection, another team conducts a thorough quality control review of the inspection report. The aim of the review is to summarize, in simple words, the home condition. After that, the report is sent to the client. The report details the technical condition of the property with pictures of proof of any issues.

Some inspection companies offer aftersales support for their clients. After sales support provides insights over any questions with regards to the outcome of the inspection / and client next steps. Contact Us