Anyone who’s been a homeowner can attest that there’s always something to fix around the house. That’s why it’s recommended to set aside 1%-4% of your home’s value (depending on how old it is) for yearly maintenance.
Maintenance budgeting will help alleviate the pain every time you write a check to repair service. But natural wear and tear on the house can sneak up on you—even if you regularly respond to “fires” like a noticeable plumbing leak or appliance breakdown.
Homes do not have a check engine light. However, there is a reliable way to test your home’s health if you’re willing to be proactive: They’re called home maintenance inspections, and you can think of them as routine doctor’s appointments that help you catch the high cholesterol long before the risk of a heart attack.
What Is A Home Maintenance Inspection?
During a home maintenance inspection, a licensed inspector checks out all the main systems of your home—roof, walls, foundation, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing—and notes anything that might be starting to malfunction.
For example, at a pre-purchase total home inspection, your inspector will walk you through the home, showing you what was found and explaining what it means. You should have a chance to ask questions or get clarifications, and usually, the inspector will point out things you should be doing regularly to keep all of your home’s systems functioning in tip-top shape.
Often, a good inspector can see the little signs that something is starting to go wrong: small cracks, uneven wearing, or even just appliances such as water heaters reaching the eventual end of life. They can also remind you of the regular maintenance you should be doing on your house. Like an annual physical, a maintenance inspection can catch issues early and give you the peace of mind of a clean bill of health.
Afterward, the inspector will create a detailed inspection report and send it to the client within a day or two. This report will include all of the inspector’s findings, from minor issues to major problems. As a homeowner, you can use this report to decide what repairs need to be completed to keep your home in good condition.
Maintenance Inspection Adds Value To Your Home
If you avoid any maintenance or maintenance inspection, imagine what would happen when you tried selling your home. Your home inspection report will show that there are a lot of potential problems in your home. This will, in turn, decrease the value of your home, and buyers will be demanding a discount depending on the issues. You won’t receive as much back for your house, and even worse, you will have to pay a big chunk out of pocket to repair or replace the items that have been worn.
However, if your house is properly maintained, you will accumulate more equity in it, and the value of your home will increase.
Protect Your Family with a Home Maintenance Inspection
Aside from the resale considerations, leaving your home’s appliances unchecked could cause serious harm to your family. For example, if you neglect your furnace, it may develop a clogged vent and begin a dangerous backflow of carbon monoxide into your home.
Making a habit of scheduling regular maintenance inspections can help ensure that your property is kept in good shape and in safe condition for you and your family.
How Much Do Home Maintenance Inspections Cost?
The price for your home maintenance inspection will vary depending on the size of your home. Still, HomeAdvisor reports that the typical range is between $296 and $424 and the national average home inspection cost is $315. However, homes over 2,000 square feet will run more in the $400 range.
If your inspector is also doing additional specialized testing, like radon or mold testing, or checking for termites, you should expect to pay additional fees.
Most home inspectors do not cover these specialized areas. However, your inspector should note in their report if he or she notices any signs of mold or termites (radon requires specialized equipment to detect).
Contact Us For Your Home Maintenance Inspection in Colorado Springs
A home maintenance inspection is an absolute must to keep your family safe, avoid surprises, and get the most value for your home when it comes to selling. Contact us today to book your inspection and learn about potential malfunctions with your home’s appliances. We will get back to you right away. Our team is eager to help you through the home-buying journey in Colorado Springs.