Home Inspection Cheat Sheet

Two of the most important steps to take before closing on a home are the home inspection and the final walk through inspection. Whether you are looking to purchase a new home, an existing home, or a fixer-upper, always get a home inspection.

New Construction
If you are looking to purchase a brand new home from a home builder, always get a home inspection. The builder will perform inspections to ensure that the home meets city, county, and state building codes but these are only to maintain minimum building standards. A home inspection will inspect a home above and beyond minimum standards. Depending on when you have place a contract on a new construction home, you may be entitled to multiple home inspections at various stages of the construction process.

Existing Homes

The most common type of home inspection is one performed on an existing home that is to be used as a primary residence and when the home does not need major improvements. If possible, you should be with the home inspector as he or she conducts the home inspection. With almost every contract to purchase a home, a home inspection allows you the opportunity to either back out of the contract should something be wrong with the home, or it allows you the chance to renegotiate on the contract price based upon the results of the home inspection.

Fixer-Uppers

When purchasing a fixer-upper, a home inspection should still be performed. Although you may have the intent to remove the old electrical wiring in your plans to remodel the home, a home inspector may still be able to uncover larger issues on your project that you were not planning on renovating.

Final Walk Through

With the final walkthrough inspection, you want to take note of the following items:

• Make sure the repairs you have requested have been completed

• There have not been any changes to the property since you last viewed it

• All items that were included in the sale price are still there

• All appliances and systems are still in working order

• The landscaping is in the same condition and style as when you put the offer in on the home

• Any garage door and gate openers and still in your possession

• Make sure all personal items have been removed

Keep these useful tips and guidelines handy and you will be sure to get everything you need and want out of your home inspections.