Your home is most likely the most expensive thing you’ll ever buy. And, while homeownership has many benefits, it also comes with some serious (and expensive) pitfalls for unwary buyers.

These days a home inspection is considered an essential step in the home-buying process. It helps you identify potential problems or costly repairs before you take ownership. A home inspection can also provide valuable information about the state of the house that you might be able to use to negotiate a better price.

Keep reading to learn what questions you should ask during your home inspection to ensure your prospective home is safe, soundly built, properly maintained, and does not contain any unwelcome surprises.

15 Questions to Ask During a Home Inspection

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you might not be sure what to ask. Below are 15 questions your inspector should answer during or after an inspection. These will help you get a thorough picture of the property’s condition, any deal-breaking flaws, and what maintenance you might face in the future.

    Foundation

    A building’s foundation needs to be solid, undamaged and well-maintained.

    1. What are the signs of foundation damage, like cracks or uneven floors?

    Serious problems with the foundation should raise red flags about any house sale. Look for signs of subsidence, cracking, or gaps in flooring.

    2. Is the drainage around the home adequate to prevent water damage?

    Water should never be allowed to gather along exterior walls. Look for puddles or signs of dampness. Surfaces around a home need to be graded to direct water away from the property.

    3. Could foundation issues require significant repairs or monitoring?

    If issues are found, how serious are they? A cracked or subsiding foundation may require immediate repairs, remediation, or long-term monitoring to ensure it is not becoming unsafe. Are you prepared to undertake serious repairs on your new home in return for a lower selling price or is it time to walk away?

    Roof

    The other essential big-ticket component of any home, a roof needs to be intact, well-constructed, and, above all, waterproof.

    4. How old is the roof, and what is its current condition?

    A good quality roof should last 20-25 years, depending on the local climate and the materials used. Older roofs should be treated with caution. In some cases, it may be possible to negotiate for the seller to replace the roof or reduce the home's selling price.

    5. Are there signs of damage, such as missing shingles, broken tiles, or leaks?

    Even minor flaws in a roof’s shell can spell trouble. A good inspector will carefully note these and keep their eyes out for dampness or staining that might indicate leaks.

    6. Does the roof have proper ventilation and insulation?

    Roofs are not just about keeping you dry. Attic spaces need to be properly ventilated and the underlay and insulation under the shingles or tiles need to be in good shape to ensure proper heat retention.

    Plumbing System

    Plumbing systems carry water throughout a home. Serious problems with plumbing may be hard to spot and complicated to fix.

    7. Are there visible signs of leaks or water damage?

    Be sure to inspect carefully around faucets and under sinks. In addition, examine the area around exposed piping in a basement or crawlspace.

    8. Is the water pressure consistent, and are there any signs of corrosion?

    Low water pressure might indicate serious leaks, corroded pipe interiors, or a problem with the house’s pressure regulator.

    9. Are there outdated materials, like lead pipes, that will need replacement?

    Steel pipes are gradually being replaced by PVC piping, but the presence of lead pipes presents a threat to you and your family’s safety and will need to be removed.

    Electrical System

    Electrical systems are relatively easy to fix or upgrade, but a home’s wiring needs to be carefully checked for potential safety hazards.

    10. Is wiring up to code and capable of handling modern demands?

    Electrical codes are constantly being upgraded. Your home inspector should be able to certify whether the installed systems meet the latest regulations, as well as whether wiring can cope with the demands of modern living.

    11. Are there any signs of faulty wiring, such as flickering lights or scorch marks?

    Your home inspector should know the telltale signs of poor or faulty wiring, and assess the danger posed to the home’s inhabitants. They should also be able to tell you how easy it would be to fix any issues.

    12. Are the breaker box and outlets safe and in good condition?

    A breaker box is always a good test of the health of a home’s electrical condition. Clean, clearly marked switches and neat wiring help make it easy to troubleshoot issues. Outlets are the point at which we interact with the electrical system and should be tight and in good condition.

    Safety Hazards

    It’s not just electrical systems that pose potential safety hazards for you and your family. Critical fire safety systems should be in place and stairs and railings should be secure.

    13. Are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed and working?

    Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are the first line of defense against fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Fortunately, they’re an easy fix if missing.

    14. Is mold, asbestos, lead paint, or radon present in the home?

    Mold, asbestos, lead paint, and radon pose serious health risks and require extensive remediation. Your inspector can assess the severity and outline next steps.

    15. Are stairs, railings, or other structural elements secure and safe?

    Loose railings and dangerous staircases can pose a major threat, especially for young children. Be sure that a young child cannot slip through or become trapped in the gaps between balcony and stairway railings.

    Close the Deal with Homebase Credit Union and Member Advantage Mortgage

    Buying a house is a big step, especially if your new home comes with a laundry list of items to replace, upgrade, and repair.

    Homebase Credit Union partners with Member Advantage Mortgage (NMLS ID #1557) —a full service mortgage lender with an experienced staff offering honest professional advice, from purchase to refinance and everything in between.

    Our home financing products include mortgages, mortgage refinances, as well as home equity loans and lines of credit.

    Whether you’re a first-timer looking to save on necessary repairs or an established homeowner taking on a major renovation or ongoing maintenance work, our tailored financing options are designed to get you in the door and at work adding value to your new home.

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