Buying a home is a big step, and one of the biggest investments you could ever make in your life. So, you’re going to want to do it right. Asking the right questions is crucial to make sure you feel confident when purchasing a new home. Here are some questions that are recommended to ask your home inspector.
What Type of Background Does The Inspector Have?
This question should be asked before the home inspector is even hired. Ask the home inspector about their previous work experience and background. What type of work have they done? Have they worked in any trade such as plumbing or electrical? Inspectors with these types of backgrounds will be able to answer more questions about any problems that arise during the inspection.
Are There Any Urgent Red Flags?
It’s important to identify any major issues, and what needs to be prioritized, instead of any minor ones that can wait to be handled. It’s always good to ask what the red flags were and if there are any urgent issues that need immediate attention.
How Does The Roof Look?
When your home inspector is checking out the roof, ask them about the condition of the shingles. Are there any that are missing or buckling? Are there any signs of major wear and tear? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then the home might be in need of a roof replacement. This tends to run pricey, so you can always ask the sellers to pay for the roof replacement, or ask for a price reduction to compensate for the damaged roof.
How’s The Electrical & Plumbing?
Electrical fires can happen often, which is why it’s crucial that you ask your home inspector to check the home’s electrical. Are there any parts that are old and need replacement? Are there any exposed or damaged wires?
It’s also good to ask about plumbing, which they will check out for the most part. If you are present while your home is being inspected, flush the toilets to see how well they perform. Does the water stop running when the toilet is full? You will also need to see if everything is draining properly, and the water flows from the faucets. In order to make sure that the house is safe to live in, you will want to ask these important questions.
Is There Any Asbestos Present?
If the home was built before 1970, then it’s crucial the home is inspected thoroughly for asbestos in the insulation or flooring applications. If they find asbestos, abatement will be required which is an additional costly expense. Knowing this beforehand could affect the selling price of the home.
Are There Any Signs of Water Damage?
Your home inspector will be looking for these signs, but it is still important to be aware of water damage and actively asking questions. Water that penetrates the home can lead to a variety of issues, including:
- A musty smell around the house
- Mold and mildew that is visible
- Water stains on the walls, ceilings, and floors
If You Are Confused or Concerned About Anything, Just Ask!
If at any time during the home inspection questions arise, or you are concerned about something, don’t hesitate to ask. You want to make sure that the home you are buying is safe and comfortable for you to live in. It’s recommended that you write down a list of questions so that you do not forget them during the inspection. Also, make sure you are taking notes throughout the day. Wait until the home inspector is finished inspecting to ask any questions, as some of them could be answered already.
About the author: Based in New Jersey, Scott Title specializes in title insurance which includes property title services, settlement services, and real estate paralegal services.
