That happy event has occurred! You have successfully bid on the home of your dreams. Next step is to check it out with your Home Inspector and make sure you’re buying the home you think you’re buying. What can you Expect When You Inspect Your Home?

You’ve chosen an inspector who is a member of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors, and probably had a brief conversation with someone at the company to confirm all of the tests you want to run.

Coordinate time with your agent. The inspector typically wants to be at the house about 20-30 minutes ahead of the client to get the lay of the land and do some of his preliminary assessment of the property.  When you arrive with your agent, the inspector will begin with an explanation of what is and is not going to happen throughout the inspection. You will review the terms of engagement with the inspector, and you’ll have a chance to ask any burning questions that are on your mind. Make a list of things that you may have noticed and questioned when you were touring the house so you don’t forget to ask.

Now the magnifying glass is going to be focused on every corner of the structure.  The purpose of this exercise is not to pick the home apart, but rather to help you know what to expect as the owner.  It’s actually a great opportunity to get to know how your new home functions, and what you will need to do to keep it happy and healthy.

The purpose of the home inspection is to search out structural flaws or weaknesses that were not readily observable in your previous visits to the home. Watch this video  if you’re interested in a preview of what an ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors)-certified inspector will do.   It will give you a fairly comprehensive sense of what is going to take place during the inspection.    OUTSIDE: Walk around the outside looking at the grading of the ground from the foundation. Be sure there is a gap between the dirt and any wood shingles or clapboards.  Check siding for rot or deterioration. Check that all gutters and downspouts are connected and gutters are free of debris.  Are there any overhanging branches that could fall and damage the roof?  Does the driveway drain away from the house? INSIDE: Check plumbing fixtures for leaks. Check that door knobs are tight and secure. You’ll run the heat (even in the summer), and the A/C if the temperature is 65degrees or warmer. You’ll run the water in the house and see how it comes in and drains out.   Confirm that all appliances included in the sale are in working order. ENVIRONMENTAL: Tests will be performed to measure radon in the air and water (unless you have a public water system), as well as for water potability (purity) and mineral content. The septic will be checked by a separate contractor, and he will open up the system and probably probe or expose the leeching fields. If there is or previously has been, a buried oil tank you will want to do some additional testing or obtain any certified reports from the Seller to assure that no spillage has occurred.

By the end of the inspection, you’re going to know your new house a whole lot better! Good luck and Happy Inspecting!