The Importance of Thoroughly Inspecting Your Home: Details to Consider Before Buying

When it comes to buying a home, one of the most crucial steps in the process is a thorough home inspection- don’t get stuck with a problem you could have spotted before the paperwork was signed! A home inspection is an essential part of the due diligence process for any potential homebuyer and provides valuable information about the condition and potential issues of a property. It helps buyers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected and costly repairs down the line. Whether you have a professional inspect your home or do a thorough check of the property yourself to identify any existing or potential problems, a home inspection will allow you to negotiate repairs or adjustments in the purchase price before finalizing the deal.

Many common issues are things you can easily spot yourself at showings before even making an offer if you know what to look for. Don’t let anyone rush you through a home showing! We recommend taking at least 20-30 minutes to tour a home initially so that you can inspect the following (and of course, your real estate advisor can help):

• Overall condition: look for common signs of neglect like cracked walls, peeling paint, or water stains.
• Pay attention to the home’s foundation, walls, and ceilings. 
• Look for sagging or uneven floors, and doors that don’t close properly.
• Test faucets and flush toilets.
• Inspect visible plumbing pipes for leaks.
• Check the light switches and look at the circuit breaker panel.
• Locate the age of the mechanicals and appliances- they’re usually printed right on the devices themselves.
• Listen for noise levels both inside and outside.
• Look for energy-efficient features, such as double-pane windows, which can save on utility costs down the line. Alternately, if the windows are in bad shape, they can be expensive to replace later.

A professional home inspection also offers numerous benefits. It provides peace of mind, ensures that you’re making a sound investment, and helps you understand the condition of the property and any potential repairs or maintenance required- you can’t be expected to spot every issue yourself. This knowledge allows you to budget accordingly and plan for future expenses.

The home inspection process typically begins after an offer has been made and accepted on a property. Once the inspection is scheduled, a professional home inspector will visit the property and conduct a thorough examination. It's important for buyers to be present during the inspection to ask questions and gain a better understanding of the property's condition. During the home inspection, the professional inspector will thoroughly examine the major components of a property, both inside and outside. This includes the foundation, roof, electrical systems, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and more. They also assess the overall safety of the property, looking for potential hazards such as mold, asbestos, or radon, and evaluate the insulation, ventilation, and overall energy efficiency of the home.

The inspector will carefully examine each area of the home, documenting their findings in a detailed report. This report will outline any issues or concerns identified during the inspection. These issues can range from minor cosmetic defects to major structural problems. Once you have this report, your agent and attorney can work with you to negotiate repairs, credits, or adjustments in the purchase price before the property changes hands.