As a new homeowner, I needed to hire a home inspector in Tampa, FL, to ensure that I knew all the ins and outs of the house. However, no one seemed willing to give me a clear answer on how many questions a homeowner should be asking. Ultimately, I decided to ask the inspector whatever was bothering me. I was surprised by how willing and happy my inspector was to clear any confusion I had. I started with a question about my oven: “What do you do when you find a strange gas leak in an oven?” “We shut off the power.”
I asked about the plumbing: “What is your policy on inspecting water lines?”
“If it’s been years since they were checked and are beyond repair, we will replace them.”
“And if they can be repaired?”
“In that case, we just tell you what you need to do or even refer a professional in the field for repairs when you call.”
I googled a list of things to ask the home inspector before this inspection, but I realized that no specific questions exist. It was as if I was supposed to ask whatever I needed to, and that’s precisely what I ended up doing.
A diligent and honest inspector will go out of his way to point out issues for homeowners and save them from potential damage. The inspector takes his job very seriously. He usually comes equipped with a checklist to ensure he does not miss anything during an inspection. While inspecting the home’s insulation, if he notices that the siding is coming off of the house’s exterior, the inspector tells the homeowner that they need to replace the siding, and then he continues his inspection.
A home inspection checklist is a document that lists all the things that a home inspector should inspect during the inspection. It is a comprehensive list of everything that needs to be inspected and what information should be gathered.
The checklist includes 1600 components, including functional and structural parts of a home, the central systems are inspected, and anything visible and within reach is inspected. Here is a general checklist of what a home inspection usually includes:
Interior
Kitchen:
- He checks countertops, sinks, and cupboards
- Inspects exhaust fans to ensure the proper functioning
- Check sink pipes or leaks
- Check the water flow in the taps
Floors, Walls, Ceilings:
- Check for cracks, damage, and moisture spots
- Inspect floors – ensure minimum unevenness, squeaking
Bathrooms:
- Check faucet water flow & pressure
- Ensure sink, shower, tub drains appropriately, and toilet function properly
- Check for loose or cracked tiles and grout
- Ensure under sink space is in good condition
Windows, Doors:
- Check windows and doors to see if they close and open properly
- Check windows for cracked, broken glass or screens
- Inspect the home weather-stripping and see if it is intact
Basement:
- Check for cracks/stains in the foundation
- Check for water leaks on ceiling/floor
Heating, Electrical, Ventilation
Plumbing:
- Check damaged/leaking pipes
- Check rust on the water heater, taps, and faucets
- Locate all water shut-off valves and ensure inside valves are closed before winter to avoid burst pipesÂ
Electrical:
- Check the condition of the main electrical panelÂ
- Check if all wiring is in good condition,Â
- Check if there are any exposed splices
- Ensure kitchens and bathrooms have CFGI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets
Exterior
- Check the condition of the gutters and chimney
Miscellaneous Items:
- Check the operation of the automatic garage and its sensors
- Check smoke/carbon monoxide detectors installed as per set standardsÂ
- Check mold decay damage
Attic:
Driveway, Grounds:
- Check the driveway for cracks or uneven surfaces
- Check water drains away and doesn’t stand
Exterior Surfaces:
- Check for cracks, decay in siding
- Check for stains or paint flaking on exterior surfaces
Roof:
- Check shingles and also check for rots, cracks, curling
- Check for structure and moisture damage
- Check the insulation and ventilation
A home inspection checklist is a tool that can help you prepare for your home inspection. It’s meant for the inspector but can also give you an idea of the questions you may want to ask your inspector. The checklist is not exhaustive, so if you have any other questions, feel free to add them. In addition to ensuring you get the right home inspector, you must ask them these questions before the inspection. These questions will help you understand whether a home inspector in Tampa, FL is qualified or not and what they do specifically.
- What are your qualifications?
- What is covered in the home inspection?
- How much experience do you have?
- Can I walk through the inspection with you?
- Do you have a website?
- Do you have a sample inspection report?
After you are satisfied with the inspector and finalize him for an inspection, you can list other questions or inquire more about the issues he discloses. Ask him things like:Â
- What does that mean?
- Is this issue minor or significant?
- What needs to be addressed first?
- Can you recommend a professional for repair?
There are many reasons why a home inspection is vital to the real estate transaction. It helps buyers, sellers, and homeowners find issues that must be fixed before purchasing. It also helps them save thousands of dollars in repairs, which they can do before closing. If you are buying or selling a house, don’t forget to look up the benefits of a home inspection in Tampa, Fl. Investing a little to protect a lifetime of savings later is better.Â
