FAQ at a Property Inspection

Always attend a property inspection with the property inspector, since the best time to find out information about your new property is during the inspection. Follow your property inspector to the attic, roof and crawl spaces of your property. The inspector will point out things that appear unsafe, old or hazardous. While your inspector will discuss problem areas, ask about any cosmetic damage you've noticed in earlier walk-throughs and about major repairs down the road. Ensure you don't have to worry about pests, leaky roofs, unreliable appliances or unsafe stair railings.

Toxic Hazards

Home owners should ask their property inspector about hazards such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), lead paint and asbestos. A property inspector will be able to direct you to resources for lead paint testing or radon testing if applicable. Property inspectors will examine electrical equipment and wiring for signs of PCBs and building materials for signs of asbestos.

Homeowners will ask the property inspector about the condition of the property's exterior structure, especially areas they might not regularly see, such as the roof, crawl spaces and attic. Ask your home inspector if these areas are safe, if he foresees repairs in the next one to five years and to describe the present condition. A good property inspector should bring you to the roof and attic.

Homeowners ask about repairs, especially when buying old houses. Property inspectors should point out flaws as they arise during the inspection. If your inspector does not do this, ask at the end of the inspection. Homeowners should inquire about major appliances, including water boilers, heating system and kitchen appliances. Ask the home inspector for information on the condition and lifetime of major appliances.

Homeowners should ask the inspector if he sees signs of any wood destroying insects in the basement, attic, walls, garages or other wooden areas of the property. Wood-destroying insects include termites, carpenter ants and powder puff beetles. The property inspector should be able to distinguish between the damaged caused by each of these pests and suggest the best course of treatment.