Inspection day is usually one of the most exciting moments of home buying. Usually it’s the first chance you have to go inside the home after making your offer as well as the last chance you’ll have until a final walk through. More importantly, it’s your opportunity to make sure you are aware of what you’re getting yourself into when it comes to the condition of the home.
Home inspections can be reassuring, fun and exhausting all at the same time.
Home inspections don’t just provide you with a list of issues if you want to negotiate with the seller to fix or something catastrophic that makes you back out of the deal altogether. It will provide you a detailed report including maintenance tips and schedules you should follow to maintain your home.
Inspection Day
You and your agent should plan on being present for the duration of the home inspection. The seller’s agent may also be there to help get any quick answers the inspector might need. The average home inspection takes about 3 to 4 hours, so consider reserving the entire morning or afternoon. Home inspectors are thorough and take their time to ensure everything has been checked. During this time, follow along as much as you can. You don’t need to follow the inspector into the crawlspace, they come prepared for those areas. Anyplace reasonably accessible, you should go too.
Home Inspection Checklist
You should start preparing for a home inspection when you initially tour the home, before making an offer. Look out for any areas you want the inspector to pay special attention to. Use this checklist to help figure out what to look for ahead of time and in the final report. If any of these items aren’t covered in the inspection report, ask your inspector why they aren’t!
Foundation: Look at the base of the walls on the inside and outside as well as the ceilings in each room. Are there obvious cracks or apparent shifts in the foundation? Are there any trees intruding on the foundation?
Lot: Does the drainage appear to be away from the house? Are there any obvious soggy areas?
Roof: What is the overall condition and when was the last time it was replaced?
Exterior: Does the house look like it will need repairs or repainting soon? Are gutters and downspouts firmly attached? Are there any loose boards or hanging wires? Is there asbestos in the exterior material?
Attic: How does the interior of the roof structure look? Are there any signs of leaks?
Interior evidence of leaks: Check ceilings and around windows in each room.
Basement: Is it damp? Is it well insulated?
Electrical: Do the switches work? Are there any malfunctions? Have the outlets been grounded? Is the panel updated and equipped for additional appliances or a potential remodel?
Plumbing: Any unusual noises or errors? Has the sewer line been checked for potential cracks?
Appliances: If these are included, what is the age and condition of the stove, dishwasher or refrigerator?
Heating/cooling system: Does it seem to maintain the set temperature? How old is the furnace? If the system has been converted, are the old systems or tanks still in place?
Odor: Does the home have an odor? Beware of musty odors which could signal a wet basement.