Why buyers should inspect what comes with a home inspection

After a seller accepts your offer, you’re now one step closer to owning your dream home. The last few steps are the home inspection and the final walkthrough. The home inspection, in particular, is an important process that should not be overlooked.

But first, what is a home inspection?

A home inspection is a process that involves examining the safety and current condition of the home. A home inspector looks at its structure and functional elements, including the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems.

Why should you attend the home inspection?

Buying a home is one of the biggest and most important purchases that you’ll make. That’s why it’s important to know everything there is to know about the home before making a decision.

1. You learn more about the home While you may already have the basic knowledge about the home through your agent and through home visits, being present during the home inspection gives you a more in-depth look at the residence you plan to have as your own. Your hired home inspector can also show you the locations of specific areas and home systems, as well as point out certain flaws that, otherwise, you wouldn’t have seen on your own.
2. You’re more aware of the home’s issues Attending the home inspection also helps you to determine issues that you can still regard as minor kinks and the ones that are deal-breakers. The inspector can further explain how to identify which is which among the issues he finds.
3. You know what to work on Aside from learning more about the home and its possible issues, you’ll also be briefed on areas that need fixing and how to maintain them once you already own the home. That way, you’ll have a better idea of the scope of repairs and improvements needed after buying the property.
4. You get to ask questions Another advantage of attending the home inspection is getting answers to your home-related questions straight from the home inspector themselves. You’ll know about the existing systems of the house you’re buying and find out problem areas in need of repairs.
Some of the questions to ask the home inspector are:
• What will this home inspection cover?
• Do you have any major concerns about the home?
• Is this a minor or a major issue?
• What should I repair first?
• How do I maintain this particular home system or area?

Creating your home inspection checklist

Before heading into the home inspection, it’s important to list down what you need the inspector to look at. For the home’s exterior, ask the inspector to check the:
• Roof
• Rain gutters
• Porches
• Walkways and driveways
• Exterior paint
• Doors and windows
• Yard
The roof, in particular, is one of the most important areas to inspect. As the first line of defense against the elements, the roof insulates your home and keeps everything under it dry when it rains. Having the roof tiles, shingles, and gutters examined lets you know if you need to spend money on their repair or replacement. The home inspector should also check these areas in the home’s interior:
• Plumbing
• Appliances
• Thermostats
• HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems
• Attic
• Basement
• Garage
Also, don’t forget to ask about the home’s foundation and structure. A home’s foundation carries the weight of the structure. It also has an impact on the home’s insulation and factors heavily on the structure’s capacity to keep moisture and insects out. That’s why it’s important to make sure that the foundation is structurally sound. Here are a few points to bring up with the home inspector:
• The condition of the foundation
• Cracks or shifts at the base of the walls or ceiling
• Windows or door frames that are squared or bowed
• Evidence of termite damage
• Evidence of standing water

Every home inspector has their own process when it comes to evaluating a home. Note, though, that there may be some home elements and areas not covered during their inspection. Make sure you know what these are to manage your expectations of the scope of work to be conducted. If the home you’re buying has unique features like a swimming pool, fireplace and chimney, or carpet-covered flooring, you should have those inspected, as well. Learn more about the home inspection process with your North Atlanta real estate experts, The Page Morgan Team. We have over 20 years of experience in helping buyers and sellers to reach their real estate dreams. Call 770.579.5650 or email info(at)pagemorgan(dotted)com to learn more about the homes for sale in Sandy Springs, GA. You can also send an inquiry here.