Buying a home is the largest financial investment most people make in a life time! You’re about to make a huge down payment & commit to a long term mortgage…..So it only makes sense that the condition of your new home should be very important to you!

A home inspection is probably the most important step in the home-buying process. You’ve seen all the good things about the house but what about what you don’t see? How’s the roof, furnace, plumbing, foundation, basement……….. What jobs around the house need to be prioritized first?…………..

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure of a home from the foundation to the roof. Last year, almost 8 out of every 10 home sales in the United States involved a home inspection, according to a study by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the National Association of Realtors.

A home inspection usually covers the following:

• heating system
• air conditioning system
• interior plumbing
• electrical systems
• appliances if included with the sale
• the roof, chimney & flashing
• the attic
• visible insulation
• walls
• ceilings
• floors
• windows
• doors
• the foundation
• the basement or crawl space
• exterior structure
• water drainage

You should also know what an inspection does not include. Inspections for a typical home require 2-3 hours, but they do not concern every dent and scratch. For details, speak with any inspector you are considering.

Here’s a couple of questions to ask when looking for a home inspector.

• How much does the inspection cost?Fees can vary depending on the home’s square footage & of course the scope of the inspection. The national average for a home inspection last year was close to $250.
• How much additionally for possible Radon or lead paint testing?
• How long does the inspection take?

How do you find a qualified home inspector?

• Ask your real estate agent for a list of recommended home inspectors.
• You can also ask friends, family and associates who have recently purchased a home and ask about the home inspector they used.
• You can also go to www.ashi.com or www.nahi.com. Both national home inspector organizations provide a code of ethics and standards that must be met in order for a home inspector to use their designations.
• Yellow Pages

It is very important for you to be there for the full inspection. Spending a few hours with the inspector could prevent headaches and save time in the future. As the home inspector examines the various systems and components of the home, he will explain what problems may be encountered down the road, what signs to look for, what repairs and replacements are likely to cost, and how to prevent big maintenance bills. Try to learn how things work and how to maintain systems and equipment during the inspection process. The inspector may also point out little flaws or oddities that don’t measure up to being mentioned in the report, but may warrant watching.

In the case of new construction, consider three inspections: At the time the foundation is first poured, when walls are up but not closed, and at the walk-through before closing. Yes, this is expensive, but in the context of a long-term investment — and a big investment — such as a home, the cost is easy to justify.

Once the inspection is complete, the inspector will write a report. If major problems are found, then you have the knowledge to better guide your negotiations. And, if your new home receives stellar findings, then you’ll have the peace of mind that will be a welcome relief once you’re settled into your new home — priceless!