Guidance on Conducting a Comprehensive Home Inspection

Although not mandatory, home inspections play a crucial role in the home buying process as they enable potential buyers to identify hazardous and costly issues in a property before finalizing the purchase. Such discoveries can serve as valuable negotiating points during the transaction. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that home inspectors are not infallible and may occasionally overlook certain aspects. To ensure a smooth inspection process and the thorough identification of potential problems, consider the following steps:

1. Carefully choose your inspector: To ensure you hire an experienced and qualified home inspector, seek recommendations from trusted sources. Conduct research on the suggested inspectors, checking reviews and credentials. Interview a few inspectors before making your final selection.
2. Attend the inspection: Consider attending the inspection yourself to ensure nothing is overlooked. Accompany the inspector during the property walk-through, asking questions as necessary, but without interfering in their work. After the inspection, request a brief rundown of any problematic areas they identified.
3. Ensure a comprehensive inspection: The inspector should have access to the entire property to assess its condition thoroughly. The seller should clear the yard and doorways, allowing the inspector to physically evaluate all aspects of the home, from top to bottom.
4. Follow up with the inspector: Once you receive the complete inspection report, review it meticulously. If you come across anything that raises concerns or confusion, get in touch with the inspector to discuss it further. If necessary, consider requesting a re-inspection.

It’s crucial to conduct a proper inspection from the outset since it can be challenging to prove that an inspector missed a problem or that the seller was aware of it after you have already moved into the home.

If you have more questions about the home buying process or need assistance finding a reliable professional, feel free to reach out to us for guidance.