A home is one of the largest investments that you will ever make, so it’s important to conduct due diligence before you close on the sale of your house. In real estate, you should remember that it’s the buyer’s responsibility to make sure that they are getting everything they are paying for. Your home inspection is an important tool that can help you figure out what you need to know before you buy it.
It’s not necessary to be onsite when you have an inspection done but it is highly recommended. Talking to your inspector personally will give you the opportunity to address any concerns that you have at the moment when things are fresh in your mind.
If you are a first time home buyer you might not know what to ask, so we are going to go through a few things that you should address with your home inspector.
Structural Condition
Your home is meant to protect you and your family, so before you buy you will want to know that it is solid. Talk to your inspector about the condition of the foundation and framing of the house and address any issues. It’s better to know about any foundation cracks or structural weaknesses before you move in.
Plumbing
If you are looking at an older home you will want your inspector to pay close attention to the plumbing systems. Pipes and fittings that are outdated should be flagged and repaired. It’s also a good idea to have your inspector look for any previous water or flooding damage that could indicate a long term problem.
Electrical
The most common cause of house fires is faulty wiring. Make sure that you talk to your inspector about all of your home’s electrical systems and anything that will need to be updated. It’s better to be safe than sorry and have an electrical specialist come in and update the system where needed.
Roof
Your roof is the major barrier between you and the outside world. Your inspector will do a full review of your roof and eaves systems and let you know if there are any problems. Depending on the age of the roof you may want to consider having a replacement done.
Have your inspector look for signs of past leaks or potential damage that could lead to problems. It’s also a good idea to look at the drainage around your home to ensure that there is no potential for leaks getting into your foundation.
HVAC System
Make sure that you talk to your home inspector about your furnace and air conditioning system. An older furnace should be thoroughly inspected to ensure that it is operating properly and there is no risk to your home. You will want to know ahead of time if you will need to upgrade your system before you buy the house.
Buying a home is a big deal and it takes time and effort to make sure that you don’t end up with a house that will be a money pit. Talk to your home inspector about your concerns and schedule to be onsite when they come to do their inspection.
