Preparing for your first major purchase
It’s happening! You’re about to become a first-time home buyer. To ensure you make a wise investment and avoid any unexpected surprises, thorough research is essential. Conducting a comprehensive home inspection is one effective way to gain peace of mind during the home-buying process.
You can confidently navigate this important decision by asking the right questions and addressing common areas of concern. Use the questions below to prepare for your home inspection.
Before we begin, it’s important to understand that professional home inspectors in Washington are governed by The State of Washington Standards of Practice for Home Inspectors. This document ensures certain areas of single-family residences are inspected, and details the areas not included in a standard home inspection. This is a valuable document to understand as a first-time home buyer, so you can have areas that are not included in the inspection process inspected by the appropriate specialist.
Here we go!
Ten questions first-time home buyers should know
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Should an inspector explain the home’s overall condition and identify any major concerns?
The home inspector should use clear language that you can understand, especially for first-time buyers, and advise on high-priority concerns based on the level of urgency and significance.
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Will they address any structural issues or safety hazards that need immediate attention?
During the inspection process, the home inspector will focus on the structural systems, such as the foundation, roof, and walls. The issues and safety hazards found will be added to the report. Common issues found are damaged floor joists, cracked foundations, missing handrails around decks and stairs, and electrical problems. Then, the inspector will recommend appropriate specialists for the repairs needed.
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What should a home inspector advise regarding the estimated lifespan of your home’s major systems and components, such as the roof, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical?
The home inspector is not obligated to disclose the age of every component in the home. However, if there are items with serial numbers, they can usually provide information on the age and estimated remaining lifespan of said appliances. The inspection report will detail the general condition of items like the roof, and make recommendations for repairs if needed, but an official lifespan isn’t listed since it is too variable.
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Will signs of water damage, leaks, or mold in the house be covered in the inspection?
Zoom inspectors are trained to use several tools to determine the level of moisture intrusion, including moisture meters and infrared cameras to help evaluate moisture stains. Inspectors will look at multiple components of the home to build a full picture and determine if moisture stains need further review by a specialist. It’s common for inspectors to avoid classifying mold types, since this requires laboratory testing. Instead, it’s typically referred to as “fungal growth” or “biological growth“ and the moisture readings, photos, and recommendations will be added to the report. The inspector may recommend consulting a mold specialist for further evaluation.
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Will we be informed of code violations or areas that do not meet current building standards?
Every jurisdiction has unique building codes, and these codes are enforced by the local building code inspector. A home inspector does not typically conduct code inspections but focuses on identifying safety issues to help inform you on how to best protect your family. Homes built in the 1950s had different code requirements than homes built today, and the report will often make note of different safety issues.
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Can the inspector inform us of potential environmental hazards, such as lead paint, asbestos, or radon?
Home inspectors usually do not conduct tests for substances like lead paint or asbestos themselves. But if evidence of these substances is uncovered during an inspection, they will advise you to seek the appropriate testing or explain how to best manage these materials. (For example, if a home was constructed before 1978, it may have lead products in the paint.)
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Is it common for an inspector to provide insights on the home’s overall energy efficiency and potential areas for improvement?
While the home inspector may not conduct energy audits, they can inform you about missing, damaged, or deteriorated insulation and mention if HVAC systems or other components exceed their expected lifespan or use discontinued products. If you’re interested in improving your home’s energy efficiency, they may suggest hiring an energy auditor for a comprehensive test.
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Will they report if any repairs or renovations were done improperly on the home?
The home inspector evaluates repairs to determine if they were properly installed, function as designed, and appear ready to withstand the test of time. While an unprofessional installation won’t be graded, the inspector may recommend having a specialist correct it to ensure it will provide the expected years of service.
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Can a home inspector identify any signs of pest infestations or damage caused by pests?
Zoom’s inspectors carry a special license to identify structural pests during the inspection process. Many inspection companies are not certified, nor are they required, to provide structural pest inspections. This knowledge is crucial as pests, such as termites, ants, beetles, and rodents can cause significant damage to property and impact its overall safety and value.
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Do home inspectors recommend ongoing maintenance or repairs of the home?
While we cannot speak for all home inspectors, at Zoom, we provide our clients with a comprehensive home maintenance checklist along with fall and spring-specific guides to help you stay on top of home care throughout the year. Also, the completed home inspection report will include specific maintenance information about the components of the home.
Zoom home inspections is here to help
At Zoom, we know first-time home buyers are put through the wringer, so we strive to make this process easier. Our detailed inspection reports and helpful resources provide essential information for the buyer journey.
Take the first step towards a confident home purchase by scheduling a professional home inspection with us today!
