1. Questions To Ask During Your Home Inspection
By Jeremy Hart, NRVLiving.com and Coldwell Banker Townside, Realtors Blacksburg, VA
You’ve been working with your agent for months and you’ve finally found the house of your dreams. The offer was
accepted, and the loan application has been made. Congratulations! What’s next? Closing?
Reprinted from http://www.nrvliving.com/2010/06/24/questions-to-ask-before-and-during-your-home-inspection/
One of the most important steps to take when buying a 3. How do you stay current on industry standards?
home is the home inspection, and while nearly all of my
clients do them (that might have something to do with the Notice I didn’t include “how much does it cost?”. While
fact that I tell them “you will do a home inspection”), counting dollars and cents is important in the real
sometimes buyers forego them. I’d encourage you not to, estate transaction, the home inspection is not an
however, as it’s really an excellent opportunity a few hours area to cut corners. Typically an inspection will
looking “under the surface” at the real condition of the range from $275-500, but factor this cost into your
house you’re buying. budget – it’s worth every penny.
Of course, as a new home buyer you might not have a The questions aren’t done there, though. Attend
home inspector on speed dial. It’s okay – I do. In fact, I your inspection. Ask questions – lots of them. I
have several that I use on a regular basis because they do wouldn’t recommend an inspector who didn’t want
such a good job for a clients. When you go under to be asked questions, and I guarantee you’ll learn a
contract, we’re going to send you a list of inspectors that ton. And if you don’t know what to ask, here’s a list
we like to use, and who we think would be a good fit for of things to get you started:
your new home; all are licensed by either the National
Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) or the American 1. Where is the main water shut off valve to the
Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), and in some cases house?
they’re licensed by both. While I can’t say “use this 2. What’s the typical life span of a roof like
inspector”, I can tell you the ones I’d suggest using, and what’s on this particular home? Is there any
from there would encourage you to contact them and ask special maintenance that needs to be done
them three very important pre-home inspection to it?
questions: 3. If there’s access to the attic, what does the
attic look like? Is this usable space, i.e. a
1. What will the inspection cover, and when would I place to store unused boxes and things?
receive your report? 4. Is the electrical panel full, or is there room to
expand?
2. Can I see a copy of a report you would prepare after 5. How is the drainage around the house?
an inspection? Attend the inspection, ask questions, and listen.

2. A home inspector who says “I don’t know” isn’t a bad inspector – in fact, they’re doing you a favor by not jumping to
conclusions and making inaccurate statements. Take part in the process, and you’ll be that much closer to buying the right
home for your future.
Jeremy Hart a licensed real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Townside Realtors in Blacksburg, Virginia, and founding member of NRVLiving Real
Estate. If interested, his license number is #0225077937, and he’s been a licensee in good standing of the New River Valley Association, the Virginia
Association, and the National Association of Realtors since January 2004. You can contact him at jeremy at nrvliving dot com.
Disclaimer: I’m just a real estate agent and while I’m one piece of the puzzle, don’t forget to consult your attorney, tax professional and librarian
before making a financial or real estate decision. It should be noted that the articles in this blog are solely my opinion, and likewise those who leave
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