Looking Under the Hood: What to Expect from a New Home Inspection

Purchasing a new home isn’t as simple as signing a contract and handing in a down payment. There are a lot of steps in the process—one of which is going through a home inspection.

If you’re a first-time home buyer, you may not be familiar with the process of home inspection. But don’t worry! It’s easier than you might think.

Keep reading to learn about the process of home inspection and how you can prepare for it.

What To Expect from a Home Inspection

A home inspection appointment will typically take between two and four hours, depending on the size of the house you’re looking at.

Even if you’re given the option not to, it’s best to attend the inspection of a house you’re looking to purchase. This can give you some valuable insight into the property that you might not get from the report by itself. It also gives you the chance to ask the inspector any specific questions you might have.

What Does a Home Inspector Look For?

Home inspectors are very thorough and cover most things that could affect your health and safety, but they don’t consider every possible detail. They’ll look for:

• Damage to windows and doors
• Clearly visible mold and mildew
• Dampness, flooding, or water damage
• Clearly visible dry rot
• Plumbing problems and leaks
• Dangerous or outdated electrical wiring
• Heating and cooling system function
• Damage to the structure and foundation
• Holes or damage in the roof and chimney
• Safety features like smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors

A home inspector will also take a thorough look at the attic, basement, and garage. Once their examination is complete, they’ll write up a formal report detailing their findings.

What Isn’t Included In a New Home Inspection?

Every state has its own rules and regulations for home inspectors. But generally speaking, they’re only allowed to check things they can see without moving the current resident’s furniture, so they aren’t going to go through and test every outlet or check for scratches behind every chair. They also won’t go through and check the pool or other yard fixtures for functionality.

They’re also not allowed to make definitive claims on certain problems that require a specialist’s inspection. These things include termites and other pests, radon gas levels, asbestos, lead paint, and toxic mold. If there are signs of these things in the house, the inspector will note that there is “evidence” of them on their report and recommend you call in the appropriate specialist.

Preparing for a New Home Inspection

When your new home inspection is complete, you’ll be left with a report detailing areas of potential concern, but it’s up to you to decide which ones could make or break a sale. To prepare for the inspection, make a list of deal breakers and things that you’re willing to put the time and money into fixing.

If you’re looking to buy a house or condo in the Miami, FL area, take a look at the ones listed at Sky Five Properties. Our expert team will work with you to find a dream house that can pass even the toughest of new home inspections.

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