As a property owner, you can often find yourself having to perform inspections on your property both before and after renting to a tenant but what exactly are you looking for and why is it so important? We spoke with Mason Walker with Straight Point Home Inspections to get his expert opinion on the topic, so let’s get Straight to the Point!
Why is it important for a property owner to perform inspections before and after renting a property to a tenant?
“A full home inspection will give basic information about the home that can help provide planning for major components that may have failed or have the potential to fail in the near future. This can be a good tool for financial planning. Other information such as main water/gas/electric shut offs can be documented and tagged for the benefit of the property manager and tenants.”
What is a commonly missed issue among property inspections and how can we avoid missing it?
“Placement for smoke/CO alarms and GFCI protections inside the home. These are the two most common items that homes are either missing or haven’t been updated to today’s standards to provide property safety for homes that are being used for rentals.”
Are the inspection points before renting a property the same as after renting, or are there specific aspects you should prioritize in each case?
“As a homeowner, you are not obligated to make all the improvements or repairs that are recommended in the inspection report. With a rental, you’ll need to look at it through a different lens because the liability risks are significantly more if they aren’t addressed. Safety improvements are likely going to carry heavier weight in the rental home.”
What important aspects do you look at during an inspection in a home that is about to be rented out to a tenant?
“Having previous experience in property management, I will typically communicate further the risks that are present in the home that some homeowners may feel more comfortable living around. An example may be baluster spacing at stairs or upper levels. These pose risks for children getting their heads stuck or even possibly falling through them. Although a homeowner may be comfortable leaving the spacing, a rental would be highly recommended to be upgraded to prevent the risk for the tenants.”
What important aspects do you look at during an inspection in a home after a tenant has moved out?
“Tenants are notorious for not mentioning issues that may be ongoing in the home that they may know about or just haven’t observed. Small leaks behind contents under sinks are a prime example. Other items may be moisture intrusions in basements that haven’t been observed.”
How can a poor inspection impact a property owner?
“Inspections that aren’t comprehensive and thorough can lead to significant expenses for replacement or repairs of items that weren’t found. Large costs in court fees can also occur if something wasn’t upgraded or installed in the home properly for safety.”
What are the benefits for a property owner to hire an inspector rather than performing an inspection themselves?
“The home inspection can provide a report that is delivered through an electronic portal that is easily navigable and can be shared to contractors, property managers, or anyone who may need the information provided in the report. It’s a great resource for years to come. The value is also in having a resource to call upon for further information on components that
you may not be familiar with in the home and guidance on how to better understand the home.”
In conclusion, performing thorough inspections before and after renting your property is essential to protect your investment, ensure tenant safety, and avoid costly repairs or legal issues down the line. With expert guidance from Mason Walker at Straight Point Home Inspections, you can gain peace of mind knowing your property has been carefully evaluated and documented.
For property owners in Blacksburg, VA, partnering with professionals like Straight Point Home Inspections ensures every detail is covered with precision and care. Reach out to Mason Walker today to schedule your comprehensive inspection and keep your rental property in top condition.
Looking for reliable property management services to streamline your rental process? Contact Real Property Management in Blacksburg, VA for expert solutions tailored to your needs. Let us handle the day-to-day, so you can focus on what matters most.
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