Questions to Ask During a Home Inspection

I'll start my list with questions I am never asked thatwith the roofing and or siding. Home inspectors
I think are most important.answer those questions all the time and can provide
First question you should ask is one that I have yetuseful tips.
to be asked by any home buyer since 1993 despiteWhile outside ask the home inspector if there are
having 7,000 or so clients. You should ask to see theany signs of improperly abandoned oil tanks, if there
inspectors state issued license or ID card issued byare the home inspector can advise you and your
ASHI or a reputable home inspector organization.attorney how to proceed.
Please ask, I have been carrying those ID's in myHome inspectors can tell you how many amps the
wallet for years just in case some one asks forservice is, the service voltage, if there is room to
them. If your inspector can't find his or hers it is timeexpand within the electric panel, if amateurs have
to stop the inspection and try again with anothercaused problems with the wiring and if the wiring
company.appears to be safe. If the home is older make sure
Another question you should be asking the homeyou ask the inspector if aluminium wiring or knob and
inspector is what is your education, training andtube wiring exists, both are potential fire hazards and
experience. A good home inspector will have yearsmay make it difficult to get home owner's insurance.
of inspection experience, a few hundred hours ofWhen the home inspector is inspecting the plumbing
class room experience and be able to tell you the lastsystem ask if the sewer clean out cap is newer. If it
few continuing education classes attended. Newis suspect problems with the sewer pipe may exist
Jersey law requires inspectors to have at least 40and budget for replacement. Ask the inspector how
hours of continuing education in home inspectionold the plumbing supply, waste and vent pipes are. If
every two years. I have taught many of thosethe pipes are old replacement may be necessary
classes and found many students learned quite a bit.sooner than you would like.
Home inspectors expect questions to be askedHeating systems must be inspected and you are
during home inspections. If you ask a home inspectorentitled to be told how the heating system works. If
a question, hear the answer and nod your head upyou do not know the parts on the boiler or furnace
and down the home inspector is likely to feel yournow is the time to find out. Ask the home inspector
question was answered. If you do not understandquestions about what part does what and why they
the answer a home inspector gives you tell theare there. Every home inspector I know is anxious to
inspector. I have no problem at all explaining thingsteach you everything he or she knows. If the
more than once and in different ways till buyersinspector does not know the names of the parts on
understand.the equipment you should be concerned.
Ask the home inspector about any of your concerns.Many buyers have questions to ask home inspectors
Do not bother asking the inspector if you should buyabout the structure of the home. Keep in mind home
the home, if the home is right for you, if the price isinspectors can not see into or through walls. Home
right, who has to fix what and the like. Homeinspectors can see what they can see and make a
inspectors can answer your questions about mostfew educated guesses. Home inspectors are likely to
issues however the above questions are outside ofmiss hidden damages from insects, rot, water and
the field of expertise of most home inspectors.construction defects unless obvious symptoms exist.
Feel free to questions the home inspector about theHome inspectors who provide an answer of "I do not
drainage around the exterior of the home, how toknow" when asked the question is there hidden
help keep your basement dryer, how to prolong thedamages are not being evasive they are being
useful life of the roofing and if there are problemshonest.