The entire home buying process is stressful. We get it! It’s a dramatic series of contests that stand between you and the home of your dreams. One of these contests is the dreaded home inspection. Is your prospective home move-in ready? Will it hold up to the home inspection checklist?

No matter what happens, you probably want to be prepared mentally-and emotionally-for the possible hurdles the home inspection might throw your way. As frustrating as it can be to wait for repairs or credits, the home inspection makes sure you are getting the best possible value for your new home.

We may not be able to help with all that other stressful homebuying stuff, but we can offer our top 10 questions to ask your home inspector. These questions will make sure you get the most out of your Cookeville home inspection and the most value for your home.

Before the Home Inspection

It can take 3-15 days to schedule your home inspection. Before the home inspector arrives, you may want to ask these questions:

1. What is your experience with home inspections?

In Tennessee, home inspectors have to take a 90-hour course and an exam to be licensed. But home inspectors usually bring much more to the table. Home inspectors often have backgrounds related to the construction industry, for example, general contracting, plumbing, electric, or roofing. If so, your home inspector has the industry knowledge to give you an in-depth look at the condition of your home.

2. Would you walk me through the inspection?

Unlike the mystical appraisal process that leaves you biting your nails as the appraiser whisks through your home in solitude to determine its value, home inspections are more casual affairs. Home inspectors are enthusiastic for homebuyers to participate in an interactive and informative home inspection.

During the Home Inspection

There are tons of questions you could ask the home inspector. We narrowed it down to address the most common reasons homes fail inspections. Never be afraid to ask the inspector to clarify or explain an issue in more detail.

3. Does the home have proper drainage?

Those rainy springs in Tennessee can spell bad news for your home over time without proper drainage away from the home’s foundation. Water damage is a common reason that homes fail inspections.

4. How weather-proof is this home?

In Cookeville, this is an important question. Over the last 5 years, we’ve had deadly tornados, floods, and ice storms. Ensuring your home is structurally intact and sturdy enough to handle weather will give you a sense of safety and security. You’ll want to check on the roof as well. When was the last time it was replaced?

5. Do you see any signs of a pest problem?

Any pest is unwelcome in your home. But some are dangerous to your health and the structural safety of the home. Termites, specifically, cost homeowners around $5 million in repairs and prevention.

6. Is the electrical system up to code and safe?

Electrical fires are a real risk for homes because of out-of-date or damaged wiring. An inspector can give you peace of mind and discuss safety precautions like smoke detectors.

7. How’s the HVAC system and the insulation?

HVAC, which stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, is a component of your home that comes in handy during humid summers. Home inspectors can tell you what kind of system you have and how old it is.

After the Inspection

The home inspector will compile a home inspection report with the findings. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get a final summation from the inspector.

8. Which of these are minor repairs, and which should I address immediately?

Unless you have a construction background, you may need help prioritizing the home’s prescient issues before your closing date. Your home inspector will help.

9. Is there a local expert you would recommend for this repair?

A knowledgeable inspector will know a trusted specialist for you to reach out to for repairs, quotes, and follow-up opinions. This can be especially useful if you’re new to the area.

10. Will my family be safe in this house?

A home inspector’s job is to provide you with all the information you need to make the best choice for you and your family. They can give you a sense of the health and future health of the home.

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