Home Inspections: Questions That You Should Be Asking From Start To Finish

If you’re in the process of buying a home in Tampa, a home inspection is going to be on your list of things to do before you move in. If you want to get to know your new home inside out, be prepared to ask your home inspector a few questions before, during, and after the inspection process.

1. What do you check? What don’t you check?

Many people are unclear about what a home inspector does and does not look at. Inspectors have quite a long list of items to check during the inspection process, but there are also limits to what they can do. For instance, they can’t cut into walls and see what’s beneath the surface. Knowing what an inspector is looking for upfront can help ensure you know what to expect and can ask the appropriate questions during the inspection process.

2. How much will my home inspection cost?

This is another question to ask before an inspection occurs. Inspection costs can vary from $300 to $600 depending on the size of the home, the inspector, and the current housing market. Although it may be tempting, experts warn against going with an inspector who seems to quote you at a very low price. This can often mean they’re desperate for clients, which can be a sign of poor quality work.

3. Can I be present during the inspection?

If an inspector informs you that you cannot be present during the inspection process, this should be an immediate red flag. It’s a good idea to tag along during the home inspection. Seeing potential problems and having them explained to you by the inspector can be much more informative than reading the report at the end of the inspection.

4. What does this mean?

During the inspection, the inspector should point out things that might need repaired or look suspicious. Be sure to ask questions so you know how big of a deal the issue is and what you need to do to repair it. You may even be able to negotiate with the seller at this point and have them fix some things before you move in.

5. What should I fix as soon as I move in? What issues can be fixed later?

It’s important to understand what areas need to be repaired as soon as you move in. Be sure to ask your inspector what they think the biggest problem areas in your home are so you know what to address as soon as possible before it becomes a bigger issue.

The inspection is a crucial part of the home buying process. It’s important to go into it as informed as possible, so be sure to research home buying tips and ask as many questions as possible to ensure everything goes smoothly.