What should we ask the inspector?

Question

We are having a home inspector, septic and well inspector and an appraiser come and inspect our first home. We just put an offer in and it is pretty strong so hopefully we will get it, or at least have a chance to counter offer. We're pretty sure that we will get it though because it has been on the market for over three months and there has been no offers. Anyways if they do and once they do except our offer our next step is to call the inspectors.. What kind of questions should we ask them? We are first time home buyers so we are not completely educated in what to look, or ask for. Please if some one has any experience and advice we would really appreciate it.

Answer 1

An inspector will check the roof, basement, heating system, water heater, air-conditioning system, structure, plumbing, electrical, and many other aspects of buildings looking for improper building practices, those items that require extensive repairs, items that are general maintenance issues, as well as some fire and safety issues. Home owners or home buyers often use a home inspection service before selling or buying their houses. A home inspector conducts a thorough examination of a home to detect any potential systems or components requiring attention. A home owner receives a detailed report of the condition of his/her home so that he/she can plan for needed repairs and upgrades when it is time to make them.

Answer 2

Inspector are usually hired through your Realtor, unless you know one personally.  An inspector conduct a complete visual inspection of the house.  With regards to question.... feel free to ask any. but some important area are:

1. Gas shot off valve

2. Main water shot off

3. Mold in bath room area

4. Voltage Supply to house

5. Windows, door (type, maintainance)

6. Unlevelled floor (red flag)

But a knowledgeable home will cover all aspects of a home and recommend where necessary.  Don't panic house were design to last.  

Answer 3

Usually home inspectors come and check everything out and then give you a report at the end. This report will tell what's wrong with the house. Inspectors do miss things. Some of those things can be very important. Check the house yourself thoroughly. Check for mold, water damage (especially in the basement), check all the outlets, run the sink and flush the toilet at the same time to check the water pressure. Make sure he checks the roof out and how long he thinks it will last until it has to be replaced. Run all the appliances. Check for cracks in the foundation. Make sure all the windows open and close properly. Run the furnace and make sure all the radiators are working properly. Check where the oil tank is. Many homes use to have oil tanks in the ground and then later removed them. If this has happened you want to see the paper work on it. Records at town hall can tell you if the house had an inground tank. If the house is on a well you want to have the water checked. If the house has a septic system you want to find out when it was last emptied. Check the fireplace and chimney for cracks. Also, make sure they had the flue cleaned. It doesn't hurt to talk to the neighbors of the house. Sometimes they know some thing about the house. Be thorough check and recheck. It's a lot of money you are spending. I hope this helps. Take your time  and be fussy going room by room. Your real estate is making a lot of money from this sale so they can wait while you check everything out. Good Luck I hope this helped.