When you’re in the market for a new house, the journey can be an exciting one. It’s easy to get caught up in the beautiful landscaping, kitchen amenities, and that outdoor deck. A home inspector can help you look behind the surfaces and reveal potential and costly problems before closing the deal. If you’re viewing properties and want unbiased and honest assessments, here’s what you should ask these specialists.

What You Must Learn From a Home Inspection

1. What major issues did you find?

While this is a broad question, an experienced home inspector will be prepared to provide you with a detailed report. After the inspection is complete, they should summarize any issues, including notes about the plumbing, electrical, foundation, and termite infestations. A written report will outline problems identified on the property and whether further analysis is needed by professional contractors to determine safety concerns and estimated repair costs. 

2. How did the roof look?

Roofs are constructed to last for decades. Unfortunately, time, extreme weather, and neglect can take their toll on these structures. Your home inspector should provide you with a general assessment of the roof’s condition. The report may cover issues such as missing or damaged shingles, a shoddy gutter system, and, most importantly, water leaks inside the home. New roof installations can be expensive. You’ll want to know if the home you’re considering is worth the cost of paying for a replacement—or if the seller would be willing to pay for it as a condition of the sale. 

3. Are there any problems with the home’s foundation?

A compromised foundation can prevent a host of structural problems. Large cracks in both interior and exterior walls are typically signs of a shaky foundation. Ask your home inspector whether fissures were found and if so, where and what size. A rule of thumb is if a dime can fit into a crack, further analysis might be needed from a structural engineering specialist. 

4. What repairs would need to be done immediately?

The best home inspection reports will list priority repairs first. These are typically fixes involving plumbing leaks and outdated electrical wiring. Another immediate repair may include a roof replacement. It’s best for your time and budget to know about pressing issues upfront. Armed with this knowledge, you can decide between looking at other homes or negotiating with the seller to make repairs as a condition of the sale. 

Discover if hidden issues are present in a home you’re considering buying. For more than 35 years, Fusco Engineering & Land Surveying in Middletown, NY, has provided thorough inspections of residential and commercial properties. Serving the Hudson Valley, the locally-owned firm prepares detailed analysis on asbestos, carbon monoxide, mold, pests, septic systems, and roofing. The team of licensed and certified home inspectors will present you with the information needed to make a financially-informed decision. To schedule an inspection and receive a free estimate, call (845) 344-5863. Visit the website to learn more about available services.