House Inspections: What to Look For and the Right Questions to Ask

Buying a house soon? Don’t forget to do a thorough house inspection before you put pen to paper. Find out what to look for and the right questions to ask at a house inspection. 

A house inspection is a crucial part of the home buying process, as it’s a good opportunity to get a proper feel for the property and to examine the interior for any things you like, things you don’t like, and faults in the property that could change your mind on whether you want to buy it or not.

Here’s how you can inspect a house, questions to ask during the inspection, and some red flags to look out for when conducting your inspection.

Are clever staging tactics trying to hide anything?

Most properties are staged to sell nowadays, as vendors know they can often get top dollar for houses and units that are beautifully presented at inspection. Try to look past the cosmetics for faults and defects that could prove costly to repair later.

Is a rug cleverly disguising uneven floors? Is a pot plant hiding cracks in a wall?

Has wide-angle photography made the living room or bedrooms look bigger in the marketing photos than they actually are?

Is the lighting covering up the fact that the property feels more like a cave?

Remember, the contemporary furniture, art and décor won’t be staying once the property is yours, so don’t fall for those kinds of distractions.

How’s the condition of the ____?

There are many key home systems that your inspector will go through, and it’s important to learn what they discover about each of them. Even though a professional inspector will likely walk you through these without prompting, be sure to go through each of these listed home features to ask about the status of its condition.

• Roof: Knowing the age and condition of the roof is critical to your home inspection, so be sure to ask for this information. If it eventually needs to be replaced, it is one of the costliest parts of a home to repair.
• HVAC systems: Similar to the roof, get written details about the age, condition, and life expectancy of the HVAC system.
• Electrical system: Ask about the type of wiring in the home, and consider whether it is aluminum or cloth wiring. Ask if the electrical systems or electrical panels will need to be updated and if they’re up to code.
• Plumbing: Ask about the condition of the plumbing and the types of pipes in the home. If it’s an older home, ask if polybutylene pipes are present since they were banned after 1995.
• Foundation or structural issues: Structural issues are usually a deal-breaker for home purchases. Even if there aren’t any major problems, don’t forget to ask if there is anything concerning in the interior or exterior foundation, like cracks or sloping.
• Insulation: Ask how well-insulated the home is, which will require the inspector to check the attic. This is a red flag if the inspector doesn’t check the attic.
• Drainage: Ask the inspector about how water drains from the home and whether any areas could be a concern for pooling.
• Sewage: Ask where the sewage goes and ensure you fully understand this plumbing system. Ask for a grinder pump, septic tank, or gravity pipe for local sewage.

Are there any mold concerns?

Mold is a hidden evil that can cause various problems and is not always visible. It could be hiding behind the walls or under flooring. A home inspector must test the air quality to determine if unseen mold is an issue. If the inspector doesn’t test for mold and you have a concern, they should be able to refer you to another professional specializing in mold testing.

Any tips on maintaining ____ ?

Many homebuyers are unfamiliar with the systems in a house. These are vital questions to ask the home inspector during and after an inspection because they can help the owners maintain the home and prevent emergencies for decades. Ask about the maintenance of systems like the following:

• HVAC systems
• Water heater
• Appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.)
• Irrigation systems
• Plumbing
• Electrical

Have any modifications or renovations been made?

This can give you a better idea of the true value of the property, and give you some ideas for when you decide to renovate the property yourself in the future.  If you do plan on making renovations in the future, asking about previous work can also give you an idea about any council restrictions or subdivision limitations that could affect your decision.

Why are they selling, and what price are they hoping for?

Understanding why the owners are selling—and how long the property has been on the market—can give you valuable insight into their motivation. If they’re in a rush to sell, you may have more negotiating power. Pair this with asking what price they’re expecting, and you’ll be in a stronger position to determine if the property fits your budget and how flexible the sellers might be on price. The more information you have, the more strategically you can shape your offer.

What’s the property’s orientation?

Orientation is really important because it affects how much natural light the property will get at different times of the year. North or northeast facing properties often get the most sunlight.

If the ceiling lights are ablaze during the inspection and it’s a sunny day, the house may lack natural light and you may be in for a pretty dark winter.

Conclusion:

A house inspection is more than just a walkthrough—it’s your chance to uncover any hidden issues and ask the right questions that could save you from costly surprises later. The more you know about the property’s condition, recent changes, and seller motivations, the better equipped you’ll be to make a confident, informed offer.

If you’re preparing to buy and want expert guidance through the process, from pre-approval to settlement and everything in between, get in touch with us. We’re here to help make your property journey smooth and stress-free.

 

 

Disclaimer: This blog offers general information on mortgages and finance for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for personalized advice from a qualified mortgage professional or financial advisor. Use your discretion and seek professional guidance based on your individual circumstances.