The pre-purchase home inspection process typically involves several key steps
FINDING AN INSPECTOR
START BY FINDING A REPUTABLE AND QUALIFIED HOME INSPECTOR. YOU CAN ASK FOR RECOMMENDATIONS FROM YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT, FRIENDS, OR FAMILY, OR SEARCH ONLINE FOR CERTIFIED HOME INSPECTORS IN YOUR AREA.
SCHEDULING THE INSPECTION
ONCE YOU'VE FOUND AN INSPECTOR, SCHEDULE THE INSPECTION AT A TIME THAT WORKS FOR BOTH YOU AND THE SELLER. IT'S BEST TO SCHEDULE THE INSPECTION AFTER YOU'VE MADE AN OFFER ON THE PROPERTY BUT BEFORE THE SALE IS FINALIZED.
ATTENDING THE INSPECTION (OPTIONAL)
WHILE NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY, ATTENDING THE INSPECTION ALLOWS YOU TO ACCOMPANY THE INSPECTOR AS THEY EVALUATE THE PROPERTY. THIS GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS, LEARN ABOUT ANY ISSUES FIRSTHAND, AND GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE HOME'S CONDITION.
CONDUCTING THE INSPECTION
DURING THE INSPECTION, THE INSPECTOR WILL THOROUGHLY EXAMINE THE VARIOUS COMPONENTS OF THE HOME, INCLUDING THE EXTERIOR, INTERIOR, STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS, PLUMBING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, HVAC SYSTEMS, ROOFING, INSULATION, AND MORE. THEY WILL LOOK FOR ANY SIGNS OF DAMAGE, DEFECTS, SAFETY HAZARDS, OR CODE VIOLATIONS.
RECEIVING THE INSPECTION REPORT
AFTER COMPLETING THE INSPECTION, THE INSPECTOR WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH A DETAILED REPORT DOCUMENTING THEIR FINDINGS. THIS REPORT TYPICALLY INCLUDES DESCRIPTIONS OF ANY ISSUES DISCOVERED, ALONG WITH PHOTOGRAPHS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REPAIRS OR FURTHER EVALUATION BY SPECIALISTS IF NECESSARY.
REVIEWING THE REPORT
TAKE THE TIME TO CAREFULLY REVIEW THE INSPECTION REPORT. PAY ATTENTION TO ANY MAJOR ISSUES OR SAFETY CONCERNS THAT MAY IMPACT YOUR DECISION TO PROCEED WITH THE PURCHASE. YOU MAY ALSO WANT TO DISCUSS THE REPORT WITH YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT AND POSSIBLY SEEK ADVICE FROM OTHER PROFESSIONALS, SUCH AS CONTRACTORS OR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS, IF NEEDED.
