5 Questions You Should Ask After a Home Inspection and One You Shouldn’t
When you have made an offer on your dream house and are booking your home inspection, you will probably want to know about the cost and how long it will take. In addition, you will want to know what kinds of things a home inspector will be looking for.
As the potential purchaser, you should be present during the inspection as a great way to learn about the home you will be buying is to follow the inspector as he goes through his inspection. It will also give you a chance to ask questions on the spot.
There are some questions you should be asking either during or following an inspection, and there is one you shouldn’t ask. Let’s take a look at them.
1) Can you please explain that issue in layman’s terms?
This is the question most inspectors appreciate the most. If something is not clear, it is best to simply ask for a better explanation. Some topics may be technical and not everyone will be up to speed on the details of electrical wiring codes, or plumbing issues. A good home inspector should be able to explain every issue in layman’s terms.
2) Is the problem you’re describing a big deal?
It is almost guaranteed that your home inspection will bring to light some issues. The real question is how big are these issues. Some can be rectified quickly, easily and without great expense while others may be more serious.
3) Do I need to get a specialist?
This relates to the question above. Sometimes a specialist is required in order to give you the kind of detail you need to make an informed decision about the house. Home inspectors may see signs of a potential problem and not be able to accurately assess the seriousness of the problem. That is when you need to call in a specialist.
4) How common is this problem?
Some problems are unusual and some are common. In older houses for instance, certain issues with foundation are common. In a newer home, foundation issues should not bet a common problem. Certain structures may be prone to certain types of faults or damage and certain buildings built in a certain area in a certain period of time may be more likely to particular issues. A home inspector with a lot of inspections under his belt will be able to tell you how common an issue is with your type of home.
5) What problems should I address first when I move in?
Every homeowner should have a list of issues to be addressed in order of priority and the home inspector can help with that. If the foundation and the roof were both identified as problems, he will be able to tell which one needs to be addressed more urgently. Inspectors can also show you how to maintain your home properly and where to find important things such as your main water shut off valve.
The questions above should all be asked but there is one question that many purchasers ask and they probably shouldn’t.
6) Would you buy this house?
This question is impossible to answer because what one buyer may see as a small problem, another may see as a bigger problem. One buyer may be handy and is prepared to take on small issues while another may prefer to contract it out at a cost. The issue may have been visible to the purchaser during his visits and he may have already budgeted for the issue. Someone may really want to invest in an up and coming area and is willing to ignore certain issues in order to get the property. The best way to answer is to provide all the relevant information and allow the purchaser to decide.
What a purchaser needs is information to make an informed decision and that is what a home inspector provides. Our goal at Mose Home Inspections is to give you all the information you need about your new home. What’s more, as a customer, you can always call us for more information and guidance once you have purchased your home. Visit us at https://homeinspectionmontreal.com/