After visiting several properties, have you finally found the home of your dreams? Before moving forward with the purchase, don't forget to have it inspected by an expert!
A pre-purchase inspection by a certified building inspector is crucial for ensuring the smooth progression of the real estate transaction. It not only provides you with a complete picture of the home’s condition but also serves as a valuable tool for negotiating the sale price if significant issues are found.
While it’s not mandatory for you to be present during the inspection, it’s highly recommended. Being there allows you to witness the inspector's tour of the property and ask questions on the spot, rather than reading them in the final report and having questions later.
If you’re present, you can ask the home inspector questions directly as they come up. To assist you, we’ve compiled a list of questions you may want to ask during your visit.
1. How does this work?
This might seem like a simple question, but it can actually be very helpful. If you’re unfamiliar with certain equipment on the property (such as the water heating system, natural gas, heat pump, etc.), don’t hesitate to ask your home inspector for more information.
As a specialist trained to identify potential issues in a property, the inspector is also knowledgeable about how systems should work when they’re functioning properly. They can likely explain how to use the equipment and offer maintenance tips to keep it in good condition.
2. How serious are the issues with the property?
Did the inspector identify any irregularities during the visit? Don’t hesitate to ask questions to understand the severity and scope of any potential problems. Are they minor or major issues? Are they urgent or not?
Understanding the importance of each issue will help you prioritize if you decide to move forward with the purchase and handle the renovations yourself. It also strengthens your position in negotiations, especially if extensive repairs are needed. You could potentially renegotiate the sale price or ask the current owner to take care of the work.
Some minor or cosmetic issues, such as poorly done joints or improperly installed switches, may not significantly affect the property's value. However, it’s still useful to identify them to ensure you’re fully informed before closing the deal.
Regardless of the nature of the issues (insulation, ventilation, electrical, plumbing, etc.), ask the inspector to explain the potential risks so you can avoid any unpleasant surprises later on.
3. Is this frequent (or normal) for the year of construction?
Some issues identified during the inspection may be considered "normal" for the age of the property. For example, asbestos in homes built before the 1980s is more common, but it remains a serious concern.
On the other hand, some problems could be a result of "abnormal" wear and tear, possibly due to poor maintenance by the current owner. These issues could be masking more significant underlying problems and may require further investigation to fully assess the condition of the property.
4. What renovations should be done as a priority?
As mentioned in the second question, understanding the severity of the issues discovered will help you determine which repairs should be tackled first.
If multiple major issues have been identified and you’re unsure where to begin, don’t hesitate to ask the inspector for their expert opinion. They can guide you on the priorities, helping you decide which problems should be addressed first to ensure the property’s safety and functionality.
5. Should I hire a specialist to further investigate?
While home inspectors can identify most potential issues, they are generalists and may not have the specialized equipment needed for more detailed investigations or further analysis.
For example, if mould is discovered, and you want to assess the air quality, you will need to contact a specialist.
Don’t hesitate to ask your home inspector if any of the problems they’ve identified require a more thorough inspection by a specialist. They can offer advice on whether additional expertise is needed to properly address the issue.
6. Should I hire a contractor to do the repairs?
Similar to the previous question, you can ask your home inspector if the necessary repairs require the expertise of a specialist. This is especially important for work that could pose a risk if done improperly, such as electrical repairs. The inspector can guide you on the type of contractor you should hire for the job. You can even use platforms like RenoQuotes.com to find qualified contractors.
If the repairs are minor and you feel comfortable tackling them yourself, the inspector may be able to briefly explain the steps involved and suggest the materials or tools you'll need to complete the work.
7. What is your general opinion of the property?
While a home inspector is not authorized to directly answer a question like, "Would you buy this house?’’ they can still offer their general opinion on the property once the inspection is complete.
Understanding the inspector’s overall impression of the property is important. It will give you an insight into the property's condition, and their perspective could help inform your decision.
In addition to the questions covered in this article, feel free to ask any other concerns you have. Assisting you in making an informed decision is part of their role, and the more questions you ask, the more confident you'll feel about the property and your final choice.
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