Home Inspection

If your contract has a home inspection clause, please note how many days you have for a professional inspection (paid for by the buyers) completed.

Ask your realtor for three references of good, qualified Home Inspectors. Don't be shy about asking for personal references from friends or co-workers. It is an excellent idea to attend your home inspection, be sure to bring a notebook. Some key issues to be aware of during your inspection are:

  • Water Issues - leaks in roof, around skylights, in basement, where is the water-main-shutoff valve
  • Property Issues - does the ground slope AWAY from the house, any incumberances (neighbors fences on your property...), erosion issues, ...
  • Electrical Issues - Are outlets grounded, GFI's in the bathrooms, adequate up-to-date circuits
  • Structural Issues - cracks in the foundation or supporting walls, excessive rot or damage to wood
  • Appliances - all appliances that convey should be in working order (including radon systems and sump pumps)
  • Windows - all windows should be functioning and able to lock, check for broken vacuum seals in double panes
  • Heat and A/C - your inspector should thoroughly test these units and show you how to replace the filters
  • This is just a partial list, be sure to ask many questions
After the home inspection is completed, the buyer will receive a report from the home inspector. Some inspectors may print it out from a laptop and printer in their car, others will email you a report and some provide a website to access the report with pictures and information about the home. It is up to you to decide which (if any) items on the inspection report you would like addressed by the sellers. If the buyer requests the seller to make changes, the inspector's written report along with the written addendum of deficiencies must be given to the sellers by 9pm the day the contingency expires (see "Resolve Contingencies" for more information on how to calculate deadlines).
Questions?