Home Inspection Tips

Order a home inspection soon after your offer has been accepted. Many of the states'  real estate contracts allow a limited number of days to complete a home inspection and request repairs, if needed, or cancel your contract.

Choose a certified member of the American Society of Home Inspectors, who has earned credentials for competence and professionalism. ASHI inspectors work for you and cannot perform repairs, so their only motivation is your thorough understanding of the home’s condition and working systems.

Obtain pertinent information for the inspector such as the age of the house and its appliances, and copies of warranties and utility bills.

If the home is vacant, confirm that the seller will have all utilities on during the inspection.

Accompany the inspector during the examination. This is your opportunity to:
—gain knowledge of major systems, appliances and fixtures
—learn maintenance schedules and tips
—better understand the items that will be outlined in the written report
—ask questions of the inspector and take notes

Be sure you understand all conditions identified in the inspection report and that problems have been resolved to your satisfaction before closing.

Insist that you have a final walk-through prior to close of escrow to verify that repairs have been made and that no new problems have surfaced.

If you have further concerns or questions about the roof or other major systems, please have a specialist in that area conduct a more extensive examination.

What’s involved in a home inspection?

At the home buyer’s expense, a home inspector conducts a visual examination of the home you are planning to buy. He or she will examine such things as the roof, pool, structure, exterior, interior, electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning—usually spending a few hours at the property. (Normally, the home inspection is paid for by the buyer, although sometimes a seller will retain the services of an inspector before sale negotiations begin.)

While a home inspection doesn’t guarantee that everything will remain in good working order or serve as a home warranty, it will help to inform you whether or not everything is in good working condition at the time of the inspection.

REMEMBER to conduct a walk-through prior to close of escrow to confirm the property is substantially the same as when you made the offer and any requested repairs have been completed to your satisfaction.

Top of Page              Return to Tips                Home