Buying or selling a home is one of the most exciting, and important, moments in your life. You are embarking on a new journey - possibly starting fresh.
Before you embark on the new chapter, get a home inspection to satisfy proper standards. These are the seven important questions to ask a home inspector.
1. Who Should I Consult With Next?
If the home inspection finds any problems, ask who you should talk to next. Home inspectors have a broad understanding of all aspects of home construction. They’re usually well rounded.
Their recommendation will dive deeper into the issue. An expert may even find out the problem isn’t as bad as the home inspector originally thought.
2. What Would You Do?
It’s a powerful question to ask a home inspector because you’re giving them the floor to be open and honest. Ask them what problems you should prioritize and if they are safety concerns.
3. How Long Will the Roof Last?
The condition of the roof will be in a home inspector’s report, but ask how many years are left until you need a replacement.
If you are buying a house, see if the sellers will lower the asking price for a roof at the end of its lifecycle. If you’re selling a house, factor fixing the roof into your asking price.
4. Is the Home Well Insulated?
Houses in colder climates & very hot ones need to have excellent insulation. This affects not only your comfort but your costs.
A well-insulated home will retain heat or cool better and keep your utility bills lower in the peak months. Homes that need new or additional insulation should have the price to reflect these needs.
5. What is the Home’s Structural Strength?
Does the home have a solid base and bones? The inspector can help you point out weaknesses in a foundation or cracks in the walls.
Different cracks and sizes can mean different things. A house that is settling isn’t nearly as bad as foundational issues. Get a second opinion from a specialist to determine further action.
6. Is the Plumbing Stable?
No one wants to live in a home with leaky pipes. If sections of the waste plumbing are galvanized or cast iron pipe, get a quote to replace it with new PVC pipes.
Ask about water pressure. Low pressure means there could be leaks in hidden places. This will cause lots of damage and water bills.
7. Did You Find Evidence of Mice or Termites?
The sign of one mouse can mean an infestation. Make sure there’s a solution to eliminate vermin before moving into a home.
If the home inspection reports evidence of termites, the problem has to be solved before any transactions take place. Termite damage can be hidden behind drywall out of sight.
Don’t Skimp on the Questions to Ask a Home Inspector
Whenever you aren’t sure about something, don’t skimp on the questions to ask a home inspector. Even if they don’t have the answer, they can point you in the right direction.
Get the inspection and be on your way to a new exciting journey.
If you’re in need of the best home inspectors, contact us today.
