Don’t Be Shy! Ask Questions During Your Home Inspection
The point of a home inspection is to evaluate the current state of the property so you, as the homebuyer, can make an informed purchasing decision. At Kenco Home Inspections, we value client relationships. We want you to understand the inspection process, our findings and recommendations. Therefore, we encourage you to ask question during your home inspection or to reach out with any questions you may have after reviewing the written home inspection report.
Top Questions to Ask During a Home Inspection
1. What’s the Most Important Item to Repair?
Your home inspection report may include several issues that could require repairs. However, during the negotiation process with the seller, you want to understand which items are the most important. You don’t want to push the seller over a low-cost repair that you can easily do yourself and miss a vital or costlier element.
2. What Could Go Wrong if We Don’t Repair the Problem?
If your home inspector points out a problem, ask about the risks of not repairing the problem. For example, damaged siding may seem like an issue that is only cosmetic. Yet, damaged siding can lead to water seepage that causes mold and rot behind the siding. By understanding the risks, you can decide whether to walk away if the seller refuses to make the repairs.
3. What Do You Mean by That?
If your home inspector mentions a potential issue and you do not understand what they mean, ask for further explanation. For example, if the inspector shows you a water stain on a ceiling but doesn’t offer more information, ask what the water damage signifies. It could point to a leak in the bathroom above. However, it could also be a stain left over from an issue that was previously repaired. Follow up questions help clarify the inspector’s comments.
4. What is Your Biggest Concern with the Property?
You will receive a written inspection report, but while the inspector is still present after the inspection, ask about what they discovered. Depending on the age and condition of the property, they may have only small concerns. However, they may have found a few major issues. Some issues are deal breakers for a purchase, especially if the seller refuses to help with the repairs. Your home inspector won’t advise you on whether to purchase the property, but they can identify areas of concern.
5. Do I Need a Specialized Inspection?
A home inspector completes a general but thorough inspection of the home. Some issues require a specialized inspection. For example, if the home inspector sees potential damage to the roof, they may recommend a roof inspection. Likewise, if the home is in area at risk for radon, a radon inspection makes sense. Ask your inspector about specialized inspections so that you can begin the process of scheduling the next steps.
We Are Here to Help
Good customer service matters. That includes solid communication where we ensure you understand the details of your home inspection. We encourage the homebuyer to attend the inspection and ask questions. If during this period of COVID-19 social distancing you prefer not to attend, we understand. We are happy to talk with you before the inspection to discuss any potential concerns about the property and follow up with a conversation after the inspection to answer additional questions.
Contact Kenco Home Inspections to schedule an inspection of your new Southeast Florida home.