When it comes to buying a home, what you see isn’t exactly what you get. You’ll see colorful flowers, freshly painted walls, granite countertops, gleaming hardwood floors and other superficial touches. What you can’t see is the foundation cracks, ancient plumbing, dangerous wiring, broken appliances or other defects that might be revealed when you hire a home inspector.

1. HOMEINSPECTION
CHECKLISTFOR
BUYERS

2. When it comes to
buying a home, what
you see isn’t exactly
what you get.
You’ll see colorful flowers, freshly
painted walls, granite countertops,
gleaming hardwood floors and
other superficial touches. What
you can’t see is the foundation
cracks, ancient plumbing,
dangerous wiring, broken
appliances or other defects that
might be revealed when you hire
a home inspector.

3. WHATISAHOMEINSPECTION?
A home inspection is an opportunity for you to hire an expert
to walk through the home and prepare a report that outlines
the home’s major components, their current condition, what
needs immediate attention and what will require maintenance
after you move in.
As a buyer, your home inspection report offers a deeper
understanding of whether the home has been well-maintained
or needs major repairs. If you’re not satisfied with the home’s
current condition, you can request the seller address the repairs
or give you a credit toward the cost of repairs at closing. A
report can also help you prioritize repairs and improvements
after you buy the home, and plan for upgrades.
Having your own home inspection checklist as a buyer can help
you get the most value of your inspection report.

4. HOWTOFINDANINSPECTOR
Licensing requirements for home inspectors vary from state to
state. In Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, inspectors must
demonstrate experience, complete training, and pass an
examination to become licensed. Georgiadoes not require that
inspectors be licensed. The American Society of Home
Inspectors (ASHI), a trade organization, offers an interactive
map that includes specific home inspection license
requirements in these and other states.
Your real estate agent will probably give you the names of
several inspectors. You should also research inspectors on your
own and solicit recommendations from your friends, family,
colleagues, or future neighbors. Ask inspectors for references.
Contact those people and find out whether they were satisfied
with the inspector’s thoroughness and responsiveness.

5. HOWTOPREPAREFORAHOME
INSPECTION
We recommend that you prepare yourself for the home inspection by making a list of areas of the home you want checked before the inspector arrives. Your
checklist should include:
Foundation
Roof
Attic space
Rain gutters and downspouts
Exterior stucco or paint
Electrical panel, light switches, and power outlets
Thermostats and heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) system
Plumbing fixtures, faucets, and water heater
Appliances
Walls, ceilings, and floors
Doors and windows
Stairs, steps, and railings
Porches and balconies
Walkways and driveways
Basement
Garage
An inspection should take at least a few hours. Try to be present so you can find out as much possible about the home’s condition, take your own notes and
photographs, and ask about anything that concerns you.

6. USINGAHOMEINSPECTIONREPORT
If the inspector finds major problems or a longer list of minor
issues than you’d expected, you might want to reconsider your
decision to purchase that home. If you have questions, discuss
them with the inspector.
Inspectors typically won’t estimate repair costs or the
remaining useful life of appliances or other systems for you. If
you’re concerned about particular items, you might need to get
your own repair and replacement bids from local contractors
and home improvement stores. There are some occasions,
especially in hot markets, where sellers only accept non-
contingent offers, meaning, the buyer agrees to buy without
any inspections.
Your home is one of the biggest, most valuable purchases you’ll
ever make. Home inspections help ensure you’re making an good
investment.

7. SOURCES:
https://www.opendoor.com/w/blog/home-inspection-
checklist-for-buyers
https://artesiantitle.com/