What To Do During A Home Inspection

What To Do During A Home Inspection: The Most Common FAQs 

So, you’re interested in purchasing a home, and you’re ready to seal the deal. But before you close, you hire a home inspector – which is a good choice. Home inspectors can help make sure that the home you are buying is free of major issues, and give you an idea of what systems must be replaced or what repairs should be made in the near future.

But what do you actually need to do during a home inspection from Hoffman Home Inspections? What can you expect? In this guide, we’ll help you understand the process, and what your inspector will need from you. Let’s get started now.

Do I Need To Be There For The Inspection?

There is no requirement for you to be present during the inspection. However, it is highly recommended that you make the time to be there during the inspection, because you’ll be able to get a better understanding of the condition of the home, and any potential issues that may be present.

While your inspector will give you a comprehensive report and checklist detailing their findings, it’s simpler to understand what they find if they explain it all to you during the process. Make sure to schedule your inspection at a time when you’ll be able to be there, if at all possible.

What Questions Should I Ask During The Home Inspection Process?

Any that come to mind! Your home inspector is there to help you, and they’re on your side. A great home inspector will answer any questions you ask throughout the process. But if you want to make sure you cover your bases, here are a few good ones:

• How does the roof look? Replacing a roof can cost thousands, but it must be done every 10-20 years if the home has an asphalt shingle roof, in most cases. Make sure the roof looks good – if it needs to be replaced soon, make a note of that.

• Is the home well-insulated? Insulation has a huge effect on power bills. A poorly-insulated home will cost a lot of money to heat and cool.

• Is the electrical system modern and updated? Older homes may have unsafe knob-and-tube wiring, which may cause issues with safety, and when you try to get home insurance
• Are there issues with the plumbing? Plumbing problems can be very costly to fix, so make sure the plumbing system is healthy and in good shape.
• How is the HVAC system? Find out the age of the air conditioner, furnace, and water heater. These systems usually must be replaced every 10-15 years. While they can last longer in many cases, they may also become much less efficient with age.
• Is the home structurally sound? If a home has “good bones” and the structure is in great shape, this is a good sign, particularly for an older home. If there is any kind of structural damage at all, you shouldn’t buy the home, unless you’re ready for a serious fixer-upper.
• Is the home graded properly and draining well? Improper grading and drainage can cause foundation damage, which can be expensive to repair, and lead to serious issues if it’s not fixed, or is fixed improperly.

Hopefully this gives you a better understanding of what to expect from a home inspection. If you’re ready to schedule, give us a call today!