Questions to ask Home Inspector
March 6, 2022 Written by DigitalRealtyX
One of the most important things that you should do before buying your home is to have a home inspection done. For a home buyer, a home inspection is an excellent means of knowing if a property is worth buying or not. In addition, it would be a great proposition for you to be present while the inspection is being done.
Do make it a point to raise questions about things that you do not understand, and you could ask the home inspector his or her concerns about the house. You don’t want to land a bad investment, do you?
Before you get down to the inspection, you should have an idea of what the inspection covers and what it doesn’t. While the home inspectors do have a list of items that they cover and don’t cover, you should know that home inspections cover the roofing, the HVAC system (an acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning), electrical system, and plumbing system. Sewer, chimney, and swimming pools may not be covered, and so you will have to get these inspected by special inspectors.
As mentioned earlier, remember to ask questions. If you can’t remember what to ask the home inspector, make a list of questions that you would like to ask. Here are a few suggestions:
- Asbestos: Asbestos is a grave concern indeed, but that doesn’t mean that you abandon the purchase and quit. You will discover that houses with old pipes are wrapped in plastic, but remedial measures can be taken up. This could be an advantage to you, as you could negotiate the price to your benefit.
- Mold: Another point to be concerned is mold, and you can make this out from the tell-tale signs of stains or spots on the ceilings. Ask the home inspector if the problem can be ignored or if it needs remediation.
- Buying an old house: Inspection of an old house can be somewhat tricky. Be wary of the posts and beams in the house that are covered with grime. Check behind it, as it could cover a lot of unseen things, such as rot and termite infestation. Your home inspector will tell you of the dangers around old and frayed wiring in such houses. Bad wiring is a potential fire hazard. Arrive at an approximate cost needed for repairs, and you could use this figure for negotiating a price.
- Buying a foreclosed house: A home is foreclosed due to financial problems faced by the owner, and these financial troubles may also percolate in maintaining the house. As such, you could ask the home inspector to double-check everything. Signs of damage or the need for repairs could be used as a tool to negotiate a lower price.
- Buying a ‘Sick Home’: They are called ‘Sick Homes’ as such homes will really make you sick. These homes are so tightly sealed that there is no proper ventilation in the home and you get the feeling of an unhealthy environment. This can be remedied through an air-exchange unit, which removes stale air.
When you get the home inspection report, you may have more questions for the home inspector. Be sure that you get all the clarifications, and do not hesitate to ask questions on aspects that you are not clear about. You can go ahead with the purchase once you are assured of getting a perfect house.
~www.DigitalRealtyX.com