Many home buyers debate the necessity of a home inspection before they buy. “We’re already spending enough on the house. Besides, it looks good to me.”
But can you really afford not to? There are so many hidden elements to a house – things that the average person would not even begin to consider. Before you pass on the inspection, think through what it can actually do for you…
Below is an excerpt from my new eBook, Home In 10 Steps, outlining the benefits of having a professional inspection performed…
There are many components (structural, electrical, plumbing, etc.) to a house. You can see many – some you cannot. Unless you are experienced with construction and home building, I would highly recommend that you invest the money in a home inspection.
A good home inspector is trained to look for problems that may not be obvious to you. There could be a radon or mold issue lurking in the basement – not something you want to find out about 6 months after moving in!
All home inspections are different and can vary from state to state, as well as across counties and cities. Much depends on the home inspector and which association, if any, to which the home inspector belongs.
Here are the general home inspection checklist Items:
Structural Elements
Condition of walls, ceilings, floors, roof and foundation.
Exterior Evaluation
Siding, landscaping, grading, drainage, driveways, fences, sidewalks, fascia, trim, doors, windows, lights and exterior receptacles.
Roof and Attic
Framing, ventilation, type of roof construction, flashing and gutters. It does not include a guarantee of roof condition nor a roof certification.
Plumbing
Identification and condition of pipe materials used for potable, drain, waste and vent pipes. Toilets, showers, sinks, faucets and traps. It does not include a sewer inspection.
Mechanical Systems
Water heaters, furnaces, air conditioning, duct work, chimney, fireplace and sprinklers.
Electrical
Main panel, circuit breakers, types of wiring, grounding, exhaust fans, receptacles, ceiling fans and light fixtures.
Appliances
Dishwasher, range and oven, built-in microwaves, garbage disposal and smoke detectors.
Garage
Slab, walls, ceiling, vents, entry, firewall, garage door, openers, lights, receptacles, exterior, windows and roof.
Home Inspection Checklist Items Needing Service
Home inspection reports do not describe the condition of every component if it’s in excellent shape, but should note every item that is defective or needing service. The serious problems are:
• Health and safety issues
• Roofs with a short life expectancy
• Furnace / A/C malfunctions
• Foundation deficiencies
• Moisture / drainage issues
If Repairs Are Needed
Before issuing a formal request to repair, consider the seller’s incentive to hire the least expensive contractor and to replace appliances with low-cost brands. If you can, hire your own contractors and supervise repairs.
Home inspectors are reluctant to disclose repair costs. Call a contractor to determine the scope and expense to fix minor problems yourself. No home is perfect. Every home will have issues on a home inspection. Even new homes.
Is there anything you can add to this? Please comment here.
GO 2 MORTGAGE GUY 
Never use a home inspector that was used by the selling agent. Always contract with one that has no ties to the property owner, or their agent.
Agreed. Thanks for the comment!
This is such an important aspect of the home buying process and you hit it on the head. Always, always, always get a home inspection, regardless of the condition of the home. You will never regret spending that money!