The First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide to Home Inspections

Buying a home for the first time is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with potential challenges. One crucial step in the process is the home inspection. A thorough inspection helps identify potential issues with the house and ensures that you know exactly what you’re buying before you finalize the purchase. Understanding what to expect and how to approach the inspection can give you confidence as you move forward with your home purchase.

What to Know Before Going to Your Inspection

Start by choosing a qualified home inspector. Look for someone with certifications from reputable organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Reading reviews and asking for recommendations can help you find a reliable professional.

Once you’ve chosen someone and set up a time for the inspection, review the seller’s disclosures to make sure that you’re familiar with any known issues. Research the common issues found in homes similar to the one you’re considering, such as aging roofing, plumbing concerns, or electrical problems. And compile a list of any specific concerns you have about the property, such as visible cracks, water stains, or uneven flooring, which you’ll want to make sure that the inspector addresses.

On the day of the inspection, plan on spending two to four hours walking through the house with the inspector. Only the adults purchasing the house should attend; bringing children or pets will only distract both you and the inspector from the process. Also, be sure to wear closed-toe shoes that will allow you to walk all over the property, including through a muddy or snowy yard or a potentially damp basement.

What You Should Do During the Inspection

While the inspector conducts their assessment, take the opportunity to ask questions and point out any areas of concern, but don’t interfere with the inspector’s process. Pay attention to key aspects such as the foundation, roof, HVAC system, plumbing, and electrical systems. Take note of the locations of things like the fuse box and the water shut-off as you come across them. And listen for the inspector to use words like “major,” “significant,” or “needs to be fixed now,” indicating serious problems that will need attention. If they do find problems that need immediate attention, ask if they can refer you to professionals who can do the work required.

The inspector won’t be able to tell you whether or not you should buy the house based on their assessment; they’re not there to give you advice on your personal financial decisions, just to assess the house’s condition. However, you may be able to skirt this limitation by asking them a question like, “If your child was looking at this house, would you say that it’s OK to buy?”

What to Do Once You Receive the Inspection Report

Once you have the inspector’s report in hand, review it carefully, paying close attention to major issues that could affect the home’s value or your ability to secure financing. Look out for items concerning the roof, the HVAC system, or the presence of radon in the house. If the report identifies significant problems, you might consider whether you still want to buy the house. If you do, discuss your options with your real estate agent. You may be able to negotiate with the seller for a lower price or seller concessions to address the issues. You can also ask the people selling the house to fix the problems, but keep in mind that they’ll likely do so in the most basic, economical way possible; if you’d prefer nicer shingles or a higher-end furnace, you’ll need to cover the difference.

Only negotiate on larger items, like the roof, the HVAC system, or a need for radon remediation. Don’t bring up minor issues, but do create a plan for future maintenance and repairs. Not every problem needs immediate attention, but having a clear understanding of what to expect can help you budget accordingly.

How to Use the Report After the Closing

Once you’ve gone through the closing and the home purchase is finalized, the inspection report can be a valuable resource for maintaining the property. Use it as a reference when planning repairs, upgrades, and routine upkeep. Prioritize the most critical repairs first, especially those related to safety, such as electrical hazards or structural concerns. Addressing these issues early can prevent more significant problems down the line. You can also use the report to help you plan long-term maintenance, such as scheduling HVAC servicing or roof inspections. Being proactive with upkeep based on the inspection findings can help preserve your home’s value and functionality.

Additional Resources

Alex Capozzolo

Co-founder of Brotherly Love Real Estate, Alex Capozzolo, is recognized as a trusted real estate expert in the greater Philadelphia, PA market. Alex, and his partner Jon Sanborn, have been buying houses in Philly for eight-plus years. They’ve helped +100 families successfully sell their houses. Alex and Jon continue to be viewed as reliable resources in the real estate industry.