Questions to Ask a Home Inspector

In previous blog posts, we talked about questions to ask before hiring a home inspector as well as questions to ask during a home inspection. Today, we’re going to cover other questions to ask a home inspector, relating to the assessment follow-ups and its report.

12 Questions to Ask a Home Inspector

Let's expand on the post-home inspection questions and explain why each question is important.

 

1. Can you explain the [….] in the report in more detail?

Almost all reputable sources, including homegauge, emphasize that don't hesitate to ask for clarification on anything you don't understand. This is actually quite common since inspection reports use technical jargon. A clear understanding ultimately prevents unnecessary repairs or overlooking critical issues.

Pro Tip: In Canada, different provinces may have varying building codes and standards, so make sure to understand the specifics within your region.

 

2. What is the urgency of addressing the [….] issue?

Regarding the problems addressed in the report, it’s better to know whether it’s a safety hazard that requires immediate attention, or it can wait. So, add this to your checklist of questions to ask the home inspector. Prioritizing repairs is essential, as it helps budget appropriately and avoid any potential risks.

You could also ask “What are the most important repairs to address first, considering both urgency and cost?” to rate repairs based on safety and impact.

 

3. What are the potential consequences of delaying repairs for [….]?

If you can’t start the repairs right away, include this one in the questions to ask a home inspector. This helps you understand the risks of postponing repairs, which may include further damage, increased costs, and potential liability issues (in case someone is injured due to neglected hazards).

 

4. Are there less expensive alternatives for repairing the [….]?

When renovation or restoration is inevitable, this question is one of the things to ask a home inspector to explore cost-effective solutions.

Finding more affordable yet effective alternatives can reduce expenses without compromising your house’s safety or structural integrity.

 

5. What are your sources for the estimated repair costs?

As you know, home inspection reports include a list of recommended repairs or replacements, along with their estimated costs.

Repair cost estimates vary significantly based on location, contractor, and severity of the problem among other factors. Understanding the basis of the estimate helps you realize if it's realistic for your area or if it’s better to seek additional quotes.

 

6. Did you test [….] and if so, what were the results?

If you have a specific concern, bring them into your questions to ask a home inspector. You have every right to ensure the inspector performed all necessary tests and acquired the data to back up their findings.

 

7. Based on your inspection, are there major concerns that affect the home's value?

A home's value or resale potential is always important in the real estate market. By asking this question, you’ll be able to take advantage of realistic pricing (as a buyer, especially during negotiations) or plan for future repairs before selling (as a homeowner and seller).

 

8. What are potential maintenance issues I should be aware of?

When considering things to ask a home inspector, remember that proactive maintenance is key. So, ask the inspector to fill you in (based on their findings), learn about potential issues, and start planning for preventative measures to avoid larger, more expensive problems in the future.

 

9. Do you have any recommendations for qualified contractors to address the [….] issues? 

Following other questions to ask a home inspector, this one is particularly helpful if the inspector has connections with reliable local contractors. However, make sure to personally check their license, experience, insurance, etc.

 

10. Do you have any advice on maintaining [….] based on your assessment?

This question is crucial for systems that you have less experience with, providing valuable insights into future upkeep. Depending on the region, it may be smart to bring up seasonal factors and potential environmental challenges as well.

 

11. Is there anything in the report that might affect my ability to obtain a mortgage or homeowners insurance?

This is another crucial question in the mortgage and insurance context. Because hidden problems could negatively impact your ability to secure financing or get better insurance rates.

 

12. What is the process for requesting a re-inspection or clarification? (if needed)

It’s a good idea to include this one in your questions to ask the home inspector too, to understand their policy for addressing any inquiry or concerns after the initial report.

 

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These questions guarantee a thorough understanding of the inspection findings and making informed decisions later. Remember to be professional throughout the conversation and take notes so you don't miss any information.

If you still haven’t found a reliable home inspector, Houmse is ready to help. Submit your request, get free quotations from inspectors, check their reputation, and hire the best option.