Home inspections are crucial for buyers, but let’s face it—not everyone knows exactly what’s going on during that inspection process. We caught up with Wesley Upchurch, the owner of Upchurch Inspection, to get a straightforward breakdown of what home inspections really involve and why they matter.
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Q: Wesley, thanks for taking the time to chat! Let’s start with the basics—why should people bother with a home inspection?
Wesley Upchurch: It’s simple: a home inspection gives you the real picture of what you’re getting into. A lot of buyers get caught up in the excitement of a new house and forget that issues can be lurking behind the walls or under the floors. Whether it’s plumbing problems, electrical issues, or even structural concerns, an inspection helps avoid surprises that could cost you a lot of money later. Basically, it’s about making sure the house is really worth what you’re paying for it.
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Q: So, how does a typical inspection go down? Do you just walk through and look around?
Wesley Upchurch: I wish it was that easy! But no, a good inspection is a lot more detailed. We go through everything: the roof, the foundation, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, and more. We check things like water pressure, test the outlets, check for leaks—basically, we look for anything that could impact the safety, function, or value of the home. It’s a full, hands-on process, and I make sure I don’t miss a thing. At the end, the buyer gets a detailed report with everything I find, from the minor stuff to the big-ticket issues.
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Q: That sounds pretty thorough! What’s the one thing most buyers are shocked to hear about after the inspection?
Wesley Upchurch: I’d say it’s the importance of the roof. A lot of people think roofs last forever, but they don’t. Even if you don’t see visible damage, there could be wear and tear or leaks that aren’t immediately obvious. I’ve had cases where minor roof problems end up being major issues when left unchecked. I always tell people to keep an eye on their roof, gutters, and attic insulation—it can save you a lot of headaches.
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Q: What about sellers? Do you have any tips for homeowners looking to get their home ready for inspection?
Wesley Upchurch: Definitely. Sellers can make things a lot easier by taking care of small repairs beforehand. Things like fixing leaky faucets, cleaning gutters, or replacing weather stripping on doors and windows—those are small fixes that show buyers that the house has been well cared for. I also recommend that sellers have a pre-listing inspection done. That way, they can tackle any potential issues early and avoid surprises when the buyer’s inspector comes through.
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Q: That’s some solid advice! Let’s talk about what happens after the inspection. If a buyer finds issues, what’s the next step?
Wesley Upchurch: After the inspection, it’s all about communication. If we find issues, the buyer usually has three options: ask the seller to make repairs, negotiate the price, or decide to walk away if the problems are too much to handle. It’s really up to the buyer, but I always recommend they get estimates for repairs before making any decisions. It’s important to know exactly what you’re dealing with and what it will cost to fix before jumping to conclusions.
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Q: Lastly, Wesley, can you share why Upchurch Inspection stands out in Memphis?
Wesley Upchurch: Of course! At Upchurch Inspection, we pride ourselves on being thorough, professional, and clear with our clients. We’re not just checking boxes on a form—we’re explaining everything along the way and making sure our clients understand exactly what we’re finding. Plus, we offer a wide range of services from pre-purchase inspections to commercial property inspections. It’s all about building trust with our clients, and we’re always here to help every step of the way. You can check out more about our services at Upchurch Inspection.
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Big thanks to Wesley for sharing his insights! If you’re buying or selling a home in Memphis, don’t hesitate to reach out to Upchurch Inspection for a reliable, expert inspection that will give you peace of mind.