Getting a home inspection is an important part of buying a house. You become informed of the condition of the property and avoid any surprises after you move into the building. The home inspection can also offer more insight into the value of the property, which can determine the offer that you make. When you hire a home inspector, there are a few top questions you need to ask before, during & after your home inspection.
What Did You Inspect?
Many people are uninformed of what the inspector checks or inspects during the process. It’s important to be aware of the features they examined because the average property has over 1,000 features. Most inspectors examine the house from top to bottom, inside and out. They’ll look at the shingles on the roof and even the insulation in the basement. Knowing what they look at can offer peace of mind.
How Long Have You Been in the Industry?
Don’t be afraid to ask how long the inspector has worked in the industry to ensure they’re qualified for the job and are thorough with the work they perform. You may want to hire someone with more experience if you’re looking to buy an older house with a lot more unique features.
When Will the Inspection Be Complete?
Understanding how long it’ll take for the inspection to be performed can allow you to determine if you can be present. If the inspector wants to schedule it during the week, you may need to request time off work if you prefer to be physically present. Keep in mind that their answer is an estimate because the length of the inspection depends on the condition and age of the house.
If the inspector tells you it will take an hour or two to complete, consider hiring another professional who is more detailed and thorough. Hiring someone who cuts corners can make it easy for them to overlook significant problems that are present.
What are Your Main Concerns?
When your inspector communicates what they find after completing the inspection, it can be difficult to know the severity of certain issues they discover. Ask if there are any issues they’re concerned about, including if the roof needs to be replaced or if there are cracks present in the foundation. Hearing their concerns can offer insight into the actual value of the property and can even determine if you still want to move forward with purchasing it.
How Much are the Repairs?
If the air conditioning is at the end of its lifespan, it can significantly affect the home’s value. You’ll need to ask the inspector how much the repairs will cost to determine if it’s worth making an offer or if you prefer to move on to another property. Knowing the estimate of the repairs can give you an idea of how much it’ll cost to own the home and make it habitable.
What Does This Mean?
It can be easy to become confused when the inspector is communicating what they discovered on the house. They may use certain terms that are hard to understand or discuss a feature that you don’t have a lot of experience with on the property. Don’t be shy about asking what they’re talking about to ensure they can explain everything in layman’s terms. You’re paying for their services, which means you need to understand the details of the report and get a good understanding of the condition of the house.
Should I Hire an Expert?
If the inspector discovers plumbing or electrical issues, they’ll likely advise you to hire experts to perform a follow-up inspection and take a closer look at the issue. The other professionals who specialize in the different features on the property can provide you with a more accurate estimate of the cost of the repairs.
Knowing the right questions you must ask during a home inspection can allow you to become more informed as a home buyer and understand what you’re getting into when buying a house. You can work closely with the professional and feel more confident with moving forward with the purchase.
