What to Expect During Your Home Inspection
Some first time buyers can be overwhelmed with the buying process and even some repeat buyers too. Here is what you can expect during your home inspection.
So you've found a home, you've made an offer that's been accepted, and you even made it out of attorney review! Congratulations! You're half way there. Those first few steps can be emotionally draining so give yourself a pat on the back - you did it.
Next, the home inspection. Your realtor will refer you some local inspectors that they have personally used and are happy to put their name to. If so, I would highly recommend you work with them, if not, then surely you've done your homework and have some referrals of your own. This is a large investment!
Inspection day.
One tip I always give my buyers is to come prepared to the inspection. Bring measuring tape, pen and paper, a camera, and any friends and family that you'd like to see your future home. Since you won't be able to come back to the property until the actual day you close it's a great idea to take measurements for furniture, take some pictures for memory and picking paint colors, and bring your loved ones whose support is important to you. Don't forget your check book or your form of payment!
On the day of the inspection, your realtor will also be there. Expect the inspection to take about an hour to an hour and a half.
Your inspector will walk you through their booklet with you. Then he or she will start to check the house or condo unit. Remember, your inspector has most likely inspected hundreds of homes and will have their own system to help them cover everything they need to. So it's best not to interrupt your home inspector until the end. Write down any questions you have, or anything you want to point out. Then when the inspection is done you can ask them and have them answered.
You'll want to walk around and inspect hardwood flooring, ceilings, walls, and windows (stay out of your inspectors way) just to make sure you don't miss anything. Sometimes the day of the walk thru we discover a huge gash in flooring or stains that you wouldn't have otherwise seen under furniture... anything significant point out to your inspector at the end.
Your inspector will be checking all of the major appliances to make sure they work properly. They'll run water, check the electricity, any exposed pipes, lights, heating systems and central HVAC if there is one, windows, look for water moisture, any evidence of any leaks in the ceilings or around windows, if there is access they will look at the basement and roof as well.
Caveat: if it is too cold outside, and the house or unit has central air conditioning, then the air conditioning can not be inspected. There is no way around this unfortunately.
Although in Hoboken and Jersey City, most times you'll be purchasing a condominium, it is still beneficial to look at the basement and roof. There can be water problems, mold in some rare cases, or poor electricity and hot water/furnace systems.
If the roof shows signs of wear and damage, then you can inquire with the condominium association to see if there are any plans on repairing this and whether or not there is enough money in the reserves to do so. If your unit is the top floor, this is of special importance.
After the inspection is completed you, your attorney and your realtor will receive copies of the report. Any issues that came up will be itemized and included. At this point you will discuss with your realtor and attorney as to how to move forward. In most instances, you can ask that the seller repair what's wrong or provide you with a credit due at closing to address anything. Most inspections go well with only minor issues that sometimes don't even make it to the report so try not to worry too much!
Remember your inspection is not a punch list (unless it's brand new construction), but a search for defects and items that are not working properly. Scratches and wear and tear is normal and falls under the as - is wording in your real estate contract.
