Buying a home is one of the most significant decisions and investments a person can make. When an offer for a house is accepted, but before the sale is closed, a homebuyer should do their due diligence and get the home inspected. A home’s problems may not be immediately apparent or visible to the untrained eye, so a home inspection is among the best $200 – $600 a homebuyer can spend to avoid running into expensive or dangerous problems down the line. Here is a list of what to ask a home inspector before, during, and after an inspection.
What to ask before a home inspection
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
One of the most important things for a homebuyer to find out is precisely what is covered in their home inspection — and what is not. A home inspection should check both the exterior and interior for issues.
The exterior inspection should check for ground, roof, attic, and general structural problems. In comparison, the interior check should involve examining the bathroom, plumbing, electricity, kitchen, etc.
It’s important to note that a home inspector can’t open up walls searching for a problem, so frequently, they are limited to a purely visible inspection.
However, suppose they are unsatisfied with an area during the inspection. In that case, many will call for a more detailed assessment to be performed by an expert, such as an electrician, plumber, builder, etc.
CAN I ATTEND THE INSPECTION?
It is an excellent idea for a homebuyer to attend the inspection. Instead of just reading a report at the end, a homebuyer benefits immensely from having any questions answered during the inspection.
Additionally, homebuyers can use the opportunity to get an explanation from the inspector of how the home’s wiring, plumbing, and other systems work. This can be a good opportunity for the homebuyer to understand the home better.
What to ask during a home inspection
While a home inspector can’t tell a homebuyer whether they should or shouldn’t buy the property or what they should pay for it, an inspector can provide excellent guidance about what issues could occur in the future.
WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?
When an inspector records an area of concern, prospective buyers should precisely determine what those issues could mean for the future of the home. Details like how to repair a defect with the home and what the repair might cost are vital to deciding whether to close on the home.
For example, a home may seem to be a bargain, but if it costs an additional $50,000 in repairs to make it safe, it may not be a good buy.
WHAT ARE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PROBLEMS WITH THE HOME?
By the time a buyer leaves the inspection, they should be certain about what problems need to be addressed by either the seller or themselves.
After the written report is received, the homebuyer should be sure to understand what areas need attention and what future examinations need to be carried out. Although a home inspector may be able to flag an issue, it could require an expert to get to the bottom of the problem.
What to ask after a home inspection
Once you receive the report, some homebuyers can be alarmed at the detail and worry that they offered too much for the property. Though this is seldom the case, homeowners should use this opportunity to ask as many questions as they can about the prospective home.
HOW MUCH WILL REPAIRS COST?
In cases where there are significant issues that need attention, this is the time for homebuyers to understand what level of a financial undertaking is required. Ultimately, some homes will be too expensive for a buyer to repair.
Additionally, not all problems will require immediate attention. However, the homebuyer should understand the exact issues that will arise in the future before closing on the home.
ARE THERE ISSUES THAT NEED FURTHER EXAMINATION?
A home inspector may have noticed some issues with the home, but their report is inconclusive. In these cases, it’s best to ask the inspector to recommend a specialist who can dive deeper into the inspection.
Marimark Realty
Marimark Realty’s real estate agents focus on providing a personalized experience for buyers and sellers of real estate. As a full-service real estate agency, we help clients with luxury homes, homes for first-time homebuyers, commercial property, and investment property.
To begin the journey of purchasing or selling your home, or purchasing commercial or investment properties, contact us at your earliest convenience.