Get matched with top home inspectors in Okeechobee, FL

From the underwriter to the home inspector, the team working to help you buy a house is there to make sure it is a sound financial decision and that the house is worth what you're paying for it. 

A sale can fall through when a mortgage lender discovers the cost of the home plus closing costs is too high for your current financial status. Another potential issue is that an inspector or appraiser can find issues with the home that halt the sale if the offer is far higher than what it's worth.

Generally, foundation cracks and repair are not covered by standard homeowners insurance policies. This type of damage is often considered normal wear and tear or a result of poor maintenance, which is the homeowner's responsibility. For example, damage caused by settling, shifting soil, or drainage issues is typically excluded.

However, there are exceptions. Coverage may apply if the foundation damage is a direct result of a covered peril, such as a house fire, a burst pipe, vandalism, or a vehicle accident. Coverage for natural disasters like earthquakes and floods often requires a separate, specific policy or add-on.

The standard home inspection period is typically around 10 days from when your offer is accepted, but this can range from one week to 21 days. The exact duration depends on factors like your location, the current state of the housing market, and how quickly the seller needs to close the deal. This period is the time you have to conduct a home inspection and decide whether to move forward with the purchase or back out. To confirm your specific timeline, you should check your offer agreement, as the language defining the inspection period will be included there.

Home inspectors may look briefly at your roof, but certified roof experts will be more thorough. Hiring a roof inspector can give you a better sense of any underlying concerns as well as longevity. That said, a roof inspector won’t look at the rest of your home. The inspection may or may not include the attic, where problems can be hidden if they aren’t already visible on the surface of your roof. It’s important to clarify exactly what you’re getting with your inspector so there are no surprises.