First Time Home Buyer's Inspection Guide

First Time Home Buyer's Inspection Guide

Buying your first home can be a long and challenging process, but a little help from the First Time Home Buyer's Inspection Guide can turn a haunting task into a rewarding chore.

This article doesn't address all the considerations necessary prior to first time home buying, it focuses on the first time homebuyer's guide to a home inspection. Assuming you have determined the type of home you want and the amount of money you are qualified to borrow, you are ready to take the plunge in the next step of buying a home.

First Time Home Buyer's Inspection Guide - To Do # 1 - Find a Home Inspection Agent

After you have determined the type of home you want, established a price range, secured your financing, and found your dream home, you are ready to find a home inspection agent. Even brand new homes should have an inspection. Homes may appear flawless, but unless you are a trained professional, you have no way of knowing the quality, safety and overall condition of the home you are anticipating to buy. To ensure you are making a wise investment, locate a home inspection company licensed to practice engineering, who will provide a home inspection agent that will work with you during the inspection process. Important! A real estate agent is NOT a home inspection agent.

First Time Home Buyer's Inspection Guide - To Do # 2 - Request a Home Inspection Report

You may have a representative from a licensed home inspection company performing your home inspection, but that doesn't necessarily mean that you will receive a written report of their findings. Request a detailed written report of the home inspection to include any repairs that are necessary, major defects, estimates for repairs, and any safety issues that need to be addressed.

First Time Home Buyer's Inspection Guide - To Do # 3 - Ask the Home Inspection Company What Tests Will Be Performed

When you are buying your first home, it's not okay to assume that the home inspection company will perform all the tests required to assure that the condition of the home is the quality and safety advertised. Your home inspection agent should have electrical testing equipment to check outlets and meter boxes, gas and carbon monoxide testers, moisture meters, and other testing equipment required to do a thorough examination of the home.

First Time Home Buyer's Inspection Guide - To Do # 4 - Attend the Home Inspection

After you have employed the services of a home inspection company, request the date and time the home inspection will take place from the home inspection agent. You will be surprised as to how much you can learn about the home and its operating systems through this inspection, and feel free to ask the home inspection agent questions. For all practical planning purposes, allow at least two to three hours for the home inspection process.

First Time Home Buyer's Inspection Guide - To Do # 5 - Know What Should Be Checked

As you go through the home inspection with the home inspection agent, make sure the following areas are fully covered:

• the foundation and structure is sound

• plumbing system is inspected

• heating system is inspected, make note of what type of heating system is installed in the home

• cooling system is inspected, make note of what type of cooling system is installed in the home

• electrical system is inspected, including all wiring

• insects

• water/well system

• septic system

• any dangerous chemicals or materials such as asbestos

• inspection should include basement, attic, appliances, and roof

• all windows and doors should be opened and shut

• closets and the back side of all stairs should be checked

• check walls, ceilings and floors for defects

• check water pressure and drain function in plumbing fixtures

• flush toilets to make sure they work

• check chimneys and flues to be sure they work

• check the home exterior for signs of weather damage, decay and settling

First Time Home Buyer's Inspection Guide - To Do # 6 - Optional Testing

Some testing may not apply for new homes because of government and building regulations. However, if it is an older home, you may request to have the paint and water tested for lead and bacteria. Air samples may also be tested for certain gas emissions.

First Time Home Buyer's Inspection Guide - To Do # 7 - Request a List of Home Improvements

If the home is an older home, request a list of home improvements that the previous owners have made to the house so the repairs/improvements can be checked.

First Time Home Buyer's Inspection Guide - To Do # 8 - Schedule a Meeting with Homeowner to Go Over Inspection

After the home inspection has taken place, you may want to meet with the homeowner to review the results. Then again, depending on the results, you may never want to talk to them again. Seriously, if there are defects found that you can live with, ask for the selling price to be reduced to accommodate for these repairs. If the seller is willing to make an adjustment, you're on your way to buying your first home, instead of an expensive lemon.

Source: inspectamerica.com