Home Inspection Tips For Buyers & Sellers Series 3 of 5

5 Questions To Ask Your Home Inspector

There are several questions you should have in mind to help vet any of the home inspectors you intend to hire. While there are countless questions you can ask, here’s a list of the ones you can’t forget:

• What kind of problems raise red flags? Asbestos, mold, and hidden in-ground oil tanks are the top red flags cited by inspectors. If any of these issues are found, instead of calling the deal off, ask the current owner to either fix the problem or lower the sales price.
• When buying a foreclosure home, what risks do I need to consider? Financial troubles leading to foreclosure can be associated with a disincentive to maintain the home. Look out for issues with the plumbing, such as leaks and obstructions, and in some cases may even be vandalism and damage.
• Do older homes tend to come with more issues? Older homes do tend to come with more issues during the inspection, as time tends to bring in the risk of dirt, grime, rot, mold, and infestation. Also, building codes and regulations change over time, so some aspects of older homes may not be up to current standards and regulations.
• What about newer homes? Some newer homes are sealed so perfectly to the point that there isn’t enough ventilation to help circulate air. If this seems like a risk, make sure to have an air filter and exchange system installed to maintain healthy air circulation.
• What are some things to watch out for when it comes to HVAC? Make sure that your inspector locates the maintenance stickers for your heating and cooling systems. If the system itself looks worn down or has required frequent service calls, it could indicate the need for replacement.

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Home Inspection Series 3 of 5

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