The home buying process is very complex and emotional. Many buyers are so focused on finding the right home, making a competitive offer, finding the right mortgage, and preparing for a move that they don’t really understand what a home inspector looks for.
A home inspection at the most basic level is a visual inspection of all the major systems and areas of your home. A home inspection is intended to not only check for major defects, such as a structural failure, but also to point out issues that may require maintenance or could lead to major defects in the future.
The major systems a home inspection should cover include:
- Exterior (foundation, siding, walkways)
- Roof
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- HVAC Systems
- Insulation and Ventilation
- Built-in Appliances
- Interiors (windows, doors, floors)
Quality home inspectors will also look for common defects and issues that come from seeing hundreds of homes. Many of these smaller deficiencies can be DIY fixes, but it’s often much more stressful to find these after closing or weeks/months down the road.
A home inspection will also report on the age and condition of your major appliances and heating/cooling systems. This is helpful information for forecasting your future investment plans, as well as knowing when to perform scheduled maintenance.
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