If you recently put an offer on a house or will soon, a home inspection is typically the next step in the buying process. These inspections will inform you about issues with the property, including serious electrical and plumbing problems. To help you get the most from your inspection, review potential questions to ask here. 

What Questions Should You Ask a Home Inspector?

What will you check?

Home inspectors typically perform inspections from the ground up, which includes inspecting the condition of the foundation, floors, walls, HVAC system, plumbing, electrical system, attic, gutters, and roof. They look for issues such as water damage, wood rot, mold growth, slow toilet flushing, dripping faucets, and charred electrical outlets. Hard-to-reach areas, like the crawlspace under your potential home’s porch, also get checked for problems, including poor ventilation and fungal infestations. Once the inspection is over, you’ll receive a detailed report. 

Can you expand on this issue?

Any issue that is confusing or does not make sense to you warrants questioning. For example, if the inspector finds multiple charred outlets throughout the home, inquire about common causes, such as faulty installations or short circuits. A home is a significant investment, so do not feel shy about asking detailed questions. The more you know about the property’s current condition, the more negotiating power you will have with the seller. 

What are those spots on the ceilings and walls?

Stains on walls and ceilings indicate different problems. For example, if there are numerous brownish spots on the ceiling in the kitchen, there is likely a water damage issue that needs addressing. Black and green spots that are not washed away by a household cleaner typically indicate the presence of mold from a leaking roof or plumbing line. Other marks can merely be cosmetic, including crayon, ink, and food stains. 

Is this problem common?

Learning how common assorted property issues are during the home inspection helps you determine whether moving forward is best. Some common problems are mainly cosmetic, such as a worn kitchen countertop or hardwood floors that need refinishing. Other common issues require more work, including missing roof shingles that cause leaks and water damage without efficient repairs. Any uncommon problem should give you pause, such as multiple large foundation cracks that are causing the house to shift, or termite-damaged load-bearing walls. 

For a comprehensive home inspection, contact Advanced Home Inspection Professionals. This Annapolis, MD-based home inspector has been a Best of HomeAdvisor® winner since 2017 and is fully licensed and insured. Call (301) 704-1065 today to make an appointment or learn more about their services online.