Did you know that hiring an inspector is a completely necessary step when you’re buying a new home? If you skip out on it your home may fall apart on you soon after the relator hands you the keys.
If this is your first home you’ve probably never dealt with an inspector before so you don’t know what it entails. There is no shame in asking them a few questions to learn more about the process.
If you feel like you need to know more, here are ten questions to ask a home inspector when they arrive at your potential new home.
1. What do They Plan on Checking
Most home inspectors have a list of standards that they go by. It’s a basic list of what they can and can not safely inspect. They will go through and check everything that they can.
Feel free to ask the inspector what they plan to look at so you have a good feeling of what they’re doing.
2. How Long Will it Take
An inspection can take in between 30 minutes and 2 hours to complete. It depends on how many things that the inspector needs to go over. Not every inspector is the same so it takes some longer than others.
There is nothing wrong with asking how long it will take to get the house inspected. They’ll be able to at least give you a round about number just so you can plan your day around it. Even if you don’t have to plan your day around it, you might just want the security.
3. How Much Will it Cost You
The cost of the inspection will depend on the size of the house, the age of the house, the region in it’s located in, and the service that’s given. It will be expensive but a house is a huge investment so you can’t afford to not get one.
If you’re about to buy an entire house, chances are paying three hundred extra bucks for an inspection won’t break your bank too much.
4. What Kind of Report Do They Provide and How Long Will it Take to Get it
You’re going to want to see samples of their inspection report just to make sure you can understand their writing style. If you can’t understand something they report on you’ll be able to ask them questions or ask them to revise it a little to make it easier.
You’ll usually be able to get a full report within 24 hours after the inspection takes place. If you still can’t understand the report, don’t feel shy about calling to ask questions, this way you can fix up your home accordingly.
5. Can You attend the Inspection
You should ask the inspector if you can tag along and watch over the inspection. It’s a big part of buying a new home so it might be something that you really don’t want to miss.
It’s pretty common knowledge that you’ll be attending the inspection regardless, but it’s polite to ask. The biggest reason you want to ask this question and actually walk with them is the fact that you’ll have the ability to ask other questions throughout the process.
Not only is it an opportunity to learn a little more about the home you just bought, but it can help you better understand the things that are wrong with it.
6. How Safe is Your Home’s Wiring
Being able to ask about the wiring is one of the key reasons why you want to tag along in the inspection. Outdated or badly installed electrical systems can be dangerous for you and your family. The inspector can let you know if you need to worry about a fire.
Ask for their opinion and if everything is up to date. Also, ask them if the wiring is made of a dangerous material like aluminum. You really won’t find anyone more knowledgeable about fixing such an extreme issue.
7. What Problems Should be Addressed First
Sometimes a problem can be put off in favor of a worse problem. The report will probably make any and all issues seem major, however, and you might not have a lot of money left after the inspection and buying the house.
If you ask them what problem should be addressed first they will more than likely elaborate a little bit so you know what you need to be sinking the most money into. You need to know that your immediate threats get handled first.
8. How Would They Fix a Problem
An inspector can’t do any repairs, but they can give you an opinion. A great way to find out what issues need to be handled first is to ask them how they would fix it.
If they can’t tell you exactly how they would fix a problem or if it can’t be fixed with a DIY they will be able to point you to a specialist that can handle it. If they point you toward someone they trust, defiantly take it into consideration.
Questions to Ask a Home Inspector so You Aren’t Caught off Guard
If you’ve never gotten a home inspection, you might be unaware of what you should ask or even what the inspection will cover. Be prepared with the right questions to ask a home inspector to find out all the potential dangers your new home has to offer. Protect yourself and your family.
If you’re asking yourself why you need a home inspection, visit our blog for a detailed list of reasons.