When buying a home, you should have a professional home inspection conducted. A home inspector will ensure the systems and foundation of the home are free from severe damages that may increase your liability in the future.
Home inspection checklist:
- Structural elements of the home (walls, ceilings, floors, roof, foundation etc)
- Exterior (landscaping, grading, elevation, drainage, windows, trim etc)
- Roofing (ventilation, framing, gutters etc)
- Plumbing (drain, waste, pipes, toilets, showers, sinks etc)
- Electrical (circuit breakers, main panel, wiring, grounding, exhaust fans, light fixtures etc)
- Appliances (fridge, stove, dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.)
When you are buying a home, you need to know any underlying issues with the home before you firm up your purchase. A professional home inspector will disclose any known problems with the home that may affect your buying decision.
Start asking your friends and family members if they have a good home inspector that they previously used and were satisfied with. Once you have a list of inspectors, I strongly suggest you speak directly with the inspector and not one of their assistants or the office administrator.
You will be spending anywhere from two to three hours with this inspector during the inspection process, it will certainly be easier for you if you select an inspector that you sense will be patient with any all all questions you will likely have during the inspection.