One of the most important steps of the home-buying process is the final inspection before you and the seller close the sale. It’s a crucial step: take the time to work with the home inspector in identifying any underlying issues with the home. You can then discuss with the seller about who is responsible for fixing these issues.
To learn as much as you can about the condition of the home and potential problems it may cause in the long term, here are some important questions that you need to ask the home inspector.
Can you explain the issues to me?
During the course of the inspection, the inspector will point out issues with the house that will need to be addressed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions so that you better understand the issues and why it’s important to fix them. For example, if the inspector says, “Looks like there’s some water damage in the bedroom ceiling,” ask him to explain what that means for the home in general: Will major repairs be required? How much are the repairs estimated to cost?
Can you recommend an expert to look into this issue further?
While knowledgeable about many aspects of a home, an inspector is often not an expert in any particular field. That said, you shouldn’t rely solely on what the inspector tells you. If there is a problem with the heating, electrical or other major systems of the home, an expert in that field should be called in to evaluate the problem further.
Are there any fire, safety, health and water hazards here?
Health and safety should always be your top priority. Work with the home inspector to identify issues and potential hazards, and have them repaired or replaced immediately.
How much will this cost?
No home is without flaws, so expect the inspection to reveal a list of necessary repairs. Don’t freak out if the list is long or the seller is unwilling to pay for the repairs. Ask how soon the repairs need to be done and consider the costs in relation to the value of the home and its sale price.
What are your biggest concerns about the property?
Ask the inspector this question at the conclusion of the home inspection. Although you’ll be getting a detailed written report later, you should still take the time to ask the inspector for a verbal summary of the home’s major issues and whether or not these require further investigation.
Getting a professional home inspection is a smart move you should take before you decide to finalize a deal on a home.
Our team of full-time realtors has helped many first-time homebuyers in the West Bend area. If you wish, we can refer you to an experienced professional home inspector who can provide top-quality inspection.
For your real estate needs, give us a call today at 262.629.4747 or send an email to ContactUs(at)EmmerRealEstate(dotted)com. Be sure to check out our other blogs as well to learn more about what it takes to get your home properly inspected.