So you’ve found a house that you love. But before you sign on the dotted line, there are steps to make sure your dream house doesn’t turn into a nightmare. One important part of the home- buying process is the home inspection. Wondering what questions to ask during a home inspection? Let’s review the questions you should ask and the answers to look out for.
Are You a Member of a Professional Association?
When you ask your home inspector if they’re a member of a professional association, they should provide details. Make sure your inspector is a member of a nonprofit trade association with a good reputation.
Will Your Report Meet New York State Standards?
Your home inspector should follow a standard of practice and code of ethics. The standards set by the American Society of Home Inspectors are a good example. A code of ethics helps ensure your home inspector will follow state regulations.
In Greene County, as with the rest of New York, the New York State Association of Home Inspectors recommends its members become state-certified mold inspectors if they include anything about mold in their reports. They also advise against homeowners relying on 30-minute “walk-and-talk” inspections that don’t come with a written report.
How Much Experience Do You Have?
You should know how many years your home inspector has been in the industry. It’s appropriate to ask them how many inspections they’ve performed. You can also request customer referrals. Most inspectors are happy to provide referrals when asked. If yours isn’t, that’s a red flag.
If your home inspector is new to the business, ask them to describe their training. It’s OK to give a less experienced inspector a chance. But it’s also a good idea to have them work with a more experienced partner.
What Are the Major Issues With the Property?
After the inspection, your home inspector will prepare a written report. But you’ll want to ask them right after they perform the inspection what the major issues are. That way, you can schedule extra inspections from plumbers, electricians, and other experts. This handy home inspection checklist can help you address all the critical areas of your prospective home.
Now that you know what questions to ask during a home inspection, you’re on your way to purchasing your dream home!