21 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector So You Understand the Process

Jul 28

One step in the many parts of buying a home is having a home inspection. A home inspector gathers information about the home you’re considering buying and produces a report with the results.

Though they can’t tell you whether to buy the house or how much to ask the seller to fix, they can help you understand the issues with the house.

To get prepared for your home inspection, here are questions to ask your home inspector.

Questions to ask before a home inspection

Before having your home inspected, you want to ensure your inspector is qualified.

But you also need to understand what will be assessed. This helps you know what to expect and prevents any confusion about what is included (or not included).

Here are 7 questions to ask:

What is your experience and qualifications as a home inspector?
Can I see your license or certification?
How long will the inspection take?
What areas of the property will be included in the inspection?
Are there any areas that will not be included in the inspection?
Can I come with you during the inspection to ask questions and better understand any issues?
Will you provide a written report? If so, when can I expect to receive it?

Questions to ask during a home inspection

Being present during the inspection gives you a great opportunity to have a better understanding of any issues. You learn what the inspector is looking for, what they’re seeing, and what it all means.

The home inspector can give you insights on repairs needing immediate attention. This gives you the information you need to prioritize fixes and negotiate with the seller.

And you can also get detailed information on the condition of major systems, the lifespan of certain components, any damages, and more. All this helps you make a better decision about the home you’re looking to buy.

Here are 9 questions to ask your home inspector:

Are there any specific concerns I should have about this property?
Can you explain the condition of the major systems in the house (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.)?
Are there any immediate repairs or safety issues that need to be addressed?
Can you provide an estimate of the remaining lifespan for major components like the roof, appliances, etc.?
Are there any signs of water damage or potential issues with moisture?
Are there any signs of pest infestation or damage caused by pests?
Can you explain the overall structural integrity of the property?
Do you have any recommended maintenance tasks or general upkeep advice?
Are there any safety concerns related to the property that I should be aware of?

Questions to ask after a home inspection

The home inspection is complete, and you’ve received the report. Review the information and have the home inspector explain anything you don’t understand. You need to be informed so you’re ready to make a decision about the property you’re looking to buy.

Here are 5 questions to ask your home inspector:

How urgent are the repairs or issues you've identified?
Do you recommend any specialized inspections (like mold, lead, asbestos, or wind mitigation)?
Do you have any recommendations for improvement or potential upgrades?
I don’t understand [an item from the report]. Can you explain it to me?
Is there anything else I should know about the property based on your inspection?

Asking questions of a home inspector makes you more informed and confident about your purchase.

When you need a home inspection completed in South Florida, Building Standard can help!

We’ll provide you with an expert home inspection and happily answer questions you have about the property. We want you to feel educated and confident about the home inspection process.