Questions To Ask During A Home Inspection [Must Have List]
What Are Good Questions To Ask During A Home Inspection?
This is an excellent question and one we get often! It’s reasonable that you desire to maximize your time with the home inspector and learn everything you can about your potential new home. It’s downright exciting! In order to be an educated homebuyer, there are a few things we recommend you ask your home inspector, so let’s dive into the questions to ask during a home inspection.
When it comes to a home inspection, try not to get distracted by the aesthetics - you know, the cute wallpaper in the nursery and brand new kitchen countertops. There will be time to plan out your decor, but the home inspection is not it. During your home inspection, focus on the overall condition of the home. Discover the big ticket items that could potentially cost you thousands of dollars down the road if you decide to proceed with the sale. These big items are things, such as the foundation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC system, the roof, and the sewer line.
Here are the primary questions to ask during your home inspection.
Are there any major foundation issues you noticed?
Foundation issues can be a major deal breaker if you’re attentive to the condition. Don’t purchase a home with a faulty foundation unless you’re prepared to invest big bucks into repairs. We aren’t referring to normal settling and cracking; we’re referencing major foundation problems, such as bowing walls or a sinking floor. If the inspector observes an area of concern, don’t throw in the towel just yet. Follow up with a qualified and licensed contractor, like a structural engineer, who can provide more detailed information. Once you’ve had a proper evaluation completed, you’ll have a better understanding of what you’re facing and what is required to make repairs.
Did you observe any plumbing, electrical, or HVAC concerns?
The systems in a home make the home run. If any or all of these systems have issues, you don’t have much. Pay attention to the inspector’s findings pertaining to the whole house systems. If you don’t understand something, ask! Be informed and know what you’re buying with eyes wide open. If the inspector does note something of concern with any or all systems, find a reputable contractor who can offer a more in-depth evaluation. You will make a better and more informed purchasing decision with more education. When you hire us as your preferred home inspection team, we provide free trusted referrals for home system evaluations!
How is the condition of the roof?
No home is perfect, but you want a roof that’s in decent shape. If it’s an older home that still has the original roof or it’s just old and in poor condition, you have a few options. You can either ask the seller to come down in price or pay for a new roof, but keep in mind the seller may say no. Then your decision is to either replace the roof yourself or don’t buy the house. Sometimes if the roof isn’t in too bad of condition, you could purchase the home and replace the roof in a few years, but that’s only a personal and financial decision you can make. Roof issues are common, so getting a home inspection is important so you can be aware of the homeowner expenses to expect now and in the future.
What is the overall condition of the exterior?
When we say exterior, we’re referring to the siding (stucco or whatever materials the outer walls of the home are made of), gutters, windows, and vegetation, excluding the roof. There is always potential for damage to the exterior of a home that could result in water intrusion, mold growth, drainage issues, foundation distress, and many other costly challenges you’d rather avoid. Only an experienced home inspector with a keen eye can find such problems. Be sure to hire a pro. If you’re purchasing a home in the Des Moines area, be sure to hire us. We’re ready to serve you with excellence!
How is the condition of the sewer line?
This is a question that gets overlooked A LOT, and we mean A LOT. Most homebuyers overlook the sewer line entirely, let alone its condition. The sewer line connecting the home to the main city sewer or septic system is the homeowner’s responsibility. Most homeowner’s insurance plans do not cover issues with sewer lines, which is sad because it is a huge part of homeownership. If toilets don’t flush and sinks are backing up, that’s a gross and expensive headache waiting to happen. Most home inspectors don’t inspect the sewer line unless you specifically request the service. At Forever Home Inspection Iowa, we offer a sewer line inspection service for an additional fee. Trust us, it’s worth the investment. Our clients rave about it and we’ve saved homebuyers tens of thousands of dollars in repairs. Read more about what a sewer line inspection is and why it’s a must.
As you can see, there aren’t an overwhelming number of questions to ask during a home inspection. If you ask a few basic yet key questions, you’ll already be way ahead of other homebuyers in your same boat. You’ll also be empowered to make the best home purchase decision for you and your family!
Now What?
We are consistently told that we are the best Des Moines home inspector in town. We’re excited to serve you, so connect with us for your home inspection service by giving us a call or use our online form to schedule.
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