The Complete Home Buyer's Inspection Checklist

Jan 23, 2024 By Susan Kelly

You're in escrow awaiting the home inspection because your offer was approved after being submitted to a house. The key to your success is how you plan to get there. Having a home inspection checklist to guide you will have you in your dream house in no time. There is a wide range of feelings associated with purchasing your first house.

It's exciting to have a home of your own. Once you've made a down payment, you're afraid to check your savings account. After months of effort with your real estate agent, you've finally found the right property, but you need more time. Don't worry; experiencing such a wide range of emotions is normal and will pass.

Most of the work is done when the last things to do are an inspection and a final walkthrough. Because home inspections may be time-consuming and stressful, we have developed a comprehensive home inspection checklist to put your mind at ease and facilitate your move into the house of your dreams.

So, What Exactly Is A Home Inspection?

When we're house hunting, it's easy to get caught up in the visual attractiveness of things like the front yard and the fireplace, both of which would be welcome features during Canada's long, frigid winters. However, the person selling the house to us, whether the homeowner or the estate agency in charge of the property, may only sometimes give us the whole story.

One of the most important choices a person can make is whether or not to purchase a home, which is a huge financial commitment. As a result, you must do a thorough house inspection before making your move.

An inspection is "an objective visual study of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation," as defined by the American Society of Home Inspectors. The inspector will email the customer a detailed report of their findings (usually within 24 to 48 hours), replete with photos, analysis, and suggestions.

Which Home Inspector Should I Hire?

Talking to your real estate agent is usually the first step in finding a qualified house inspector. Usually, they'll have a coworker willing to step in and help out. If they don't recommend someone, you may still find a qualified inspector by talking to other local homeowners.

Ensure the inspection company you hire has all the necessary state licenses, bonds, and insurance. That way, if problems emerge, you can trust your collaborator to assist you. When hiring a home inspector, many look at internet reviews or past inspection reports to ensure the inspector is reliable and comprehensive.

Ask these kinds of things before committing to a working relationship. As was just discussed, this is essential to buying a house. When safeguarding your money, you shouldn't let your worries win out.

Getting Your House Ready for the Inspector

Before doing a home inspection on your new property, it is customary to complete the following four things:

Utilize a Home Inspection Checklist

It's important to take your time evaluating the new home thoroughly, but not to the point where you're re-examining everything you've previously looked at. Check the article's end for a downloadable PDF checklist you may bring on the inspection day.

Evaluate the house's layout

Even though it's obvious, consider the size of your family before deciding whether or not the house is big enough for everyone. Asking yourself these crucial questions can save future stress.

Take a Trusted Friend to the Inspection

Each person is capable of spotting every problem. You should do the examination with a companion, so feel free to invite a close friend, partner, or family member. That way, your friend may act as a second set of eyes to ensure that everything is remembered from the list.

Hire a Professional Inspector

Hiring a professional home inspector is a great investment in your future happiness and peace of mind. Examining homes and making sure everything is operational is part of their job. Even if you have a keen eye for detail, having an expert take a look will save you the cost of potentially expensive repairs in the future.

Summary

After months of looking, signing the purchase agreement on the property you've discovered may be the last thing on your mind. However, the home inspection is crucial to ensuring that your new house doesn't need any costly repairs immediately. Prepare for your first home buyer inspection with this comprehensive checklist.

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