1. Understand the purpose of home inspection: Prospective homebuyers should understand that the primary purpose of a home inspection is to identify major problems relating to the home such as the condition of the structure, roof, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical work, water and sewage, and some fire and safety issues. It’s not about catching minor cosmetic defects.
2. Choose a certified inspector: Always hire a certified and experienced inspector. They should be members of professional organizations like the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors or the American Society of Home Inspectors, which enforce strict standards of practice and codes of ethics.
3. Make sure you’re present during the inspection: This allows you to gain helpful insight about house maintenance and the ease of certain repairs, from the professional perspective of the home inspector. Ask them to explain the issues they find so that you can take notes for later reference.
4. Prepare a list of questions: Before the inspection day, put together a list of your concerns or things you want the inspector to pay particular attention to during the home inspection.
5. Read disclosure documents: Read the seller’s disclosure documents so you have an idea of any existing problems and so you can ask the home inspector specific questions.
6. Be prepared for the results: You should be prepared to face the possibility that the inspector may find issues with the property. Don’t be discouraged if this happens. The purpose is to ensure you make a wise investment and know what you’re getting into.
7. Plan your time: Home inspections typically take 2 to 4 hours or even more for older homes. A hurried inspection can lead to overlooking some potential issues.
8. After the inspection: Review the inspector’s report thoroughly. If there were problems discovered, decide if you want to ask the seller to fix it as part of the sale agreement, request a price reduction, or handle the problem yourself after you buy the home.
9. Get a follow-up Inspection: If there are significant issues found during the inspection, you may want to consider hiring a specialist to get a second opinion.
10. Final walk-through: Even after the home inspection, don’t forget to perform a final walk-through on closing day to check that all agreed-upon repairs have been made and that the home is in the condition you expect.
