Buying a house can be an overwhelming activity. From signing the papers to securing financing, there are so many things to remember and it can seem impossible to keep everything straight. One thing you can’t forget is to get a home inspection—this will ensure the house you’re moving into is safe, saving you from expensive repairs down the road.

That’s why insurance

super app

and money-saver

Jerry

created this comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about a home inspection and

home insurance

in North Carolina.

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What is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a crucial aspect of purchasing a new home. A licensed home inspector will come to your new (or soon to be purchased) house to examine its structures and systems. From the foundation to the ceiling, the interior and exterior of the house will be meticulously inspected for any safety issues or broken components.

The inspection will extend to your house’s important systems as well, like plumbing, electrical, and HVAC. Doors and windows will also be checked.

While some people get a home inspection when they fear mold, pests, or other health issues, another common reason to get a home inspection is that you’re buying a house. The inspector will catalog any necessary repairs along with pointing out what may need replacement soon. This will inform you of what expenses you can expect and prevent more serious, costly repairs down the road.

MORE: How to settle into a new house

How much does a home inspection cost in North Carolina?

A home inspection in North Carolina will most likely cost between $400 and $500. However, fees can drop to closer to $300 for smaller homes or condos, and it may be as low as $200 for those houses.

The main factors impacting the cost of your home inspection are the size of your home and where in the state you live—areas with a higher cost of living are likely to have pricier home inspections.

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Buying a house with a friend

How to get a home inspection in North Carolina

To get a home inspection in North Carolina, you’ll need to find a qualified inspector in your area. Thankfully, this is simple to do. Both the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) have lists of certified inspectors in every state.

Check their resources to find a reputable home inspector that’s near to your home.

What is covered in a home inspection?

There are different types of home inspections, as some are to search for specific issues or contaminants. However, all standard home inspections should cover some basics. According to the American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI), all home inspections should cover:

Heating system

Central air conditioning system

Interior plumbing system

Electrical system

Roof, attic, and visible insulation

Walls, ceilings, floors, windows, and doors

Foundation, basement, and structural components

If any part of your house is inaccessible or unsafe to enter, this will be skipped by your home inspector. However, they will note that in their inspection report.

After an initial inspection, or if you are worried about a specific issue, you can get one of the following specialized inspections:

Pest inspection

Mold inspection

Radon and asbestos inspection

Pool inspection

Lead-based paint inspection

Sewer/septic inspection

MORE: How to make a counteroffer after a home inspection

Who pays for a home inspection?

In most cases, the home buyer pays for the home inspection. However, there are exceptions. For one, you can ask the seller to pay for the home inspection in your offer to buy the home. Many sellers will also preemptively get a home inspection to appeal to buyers or handle some issues beforehand.

Key Takeaway The buyer usually pays for a home inspection, but there are exceptions.

Protect yourself with home insurance in North Carolina

There are seemingly a million things you need to do when buying a home. It can be overwhelming. Thankfully, we can help ease one crucial aspect—finding homeowners insurance.

Insurance super app

Jerry

takes all the stress out of insurance shopping. One quick sign-up gives you all the insurance quotes you’ll need to find the coverage you want at a price you like. Plus, Jerry helps with all your sign-up paperwork, saving you time and hassle. Best of all, Jerry will even help to cancel your old policy!