Home Inspections

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN INSPECTION:

A home inspector will look at a house’s HVAC system, interior plumbing, and electrical systems, roof, attic, floors, windows and doors, foundation, basement, and structural components, then provide a written report with results.

A home inspection generally takes two to four hours but may take more time depending on the size of the house.

Attend the inspection so you can explore your new home in detail and ask questions as you go. This process can give you much more information than the report alone.

Don’t be concerned with the number of defects listed on your report — many will be so minor you won’t bother fixing them. Instead, pay attention to the seriousness of the home’s issues. Some can be deal-breakers. Talk to your home inspector and real estate agent about your best ways forward.

NO HOME IS PERFECT

A home inspection checklist can be a valuable tool when you’re selling a property. If you know what an inspector’s going to be looking for, you can sort out minor issues in advance.

Of course, nobody’s expecting perfection; it may be that you’ve already negotiated over some known issues and they’ve been reflected in the price.

However, cherry-picking small problems that are quick, easy and inexpensive to fix can drastically reduce the list of defects a report shows up. And the shorter that list, the better the chances of your sale closing without quibbles.

HOME INSPECTION CHECKLIST: THE COMPONENTS

Heating system
Central air conditioning system (temperature permitting)
Interior plumbing and electrical systems
Roof
Attic, including visible insulation
Walls
Ceilings
Floors
Windows and doors
Foundation
Basement
Structural components

WHO PAYS FOR A HOME INSPECTION?

The buyer usually pays for the home inspection. However, on making an offer, some insist the seller pays. So that’s an item for negotiation.

Sometimes, sellers commission a home inspection before they first offer the home. That can reassure potential purchasers. And it can provide the owner with a chance to fix issues ahead of the marketing of the property.

However, not all buyers are willing to accept a report paid for by the seller. In fact, experts recommend that buyers choose their own inspector, someone without ties to either the seller or the selling agent.