Financing is all set, offer on the home has been accepted, next up is the home inspection. The Chicago Tribune recently did an article on home inspections and how to maximize the entire process. Below are highlights from the article on ways to effectively gather information, while still allowing the home inspector to perform the inspection.
- Bring something to take notes with, or a video camera to shoot footage of specific aspects of the house.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how gas and water shut-off valves, sump pumps etc work.
- If the inspector notices something that may need repairing, the inspector may be able to give a ballpark figure of how much it may cost to repair.
- Asking too many questions in a rapid-fire manner may distract the inspector from being able to properly inspect the condition of the house.
- Pay special attention to unfinished basements and attics for potential problems.
- There are potential problems that a home inspector will not be able to locate, such as a problem that is hidden behind drywall.