Purchasing a home involves many different steps, and before you buy, one necessary step you will need to take is having your potential new home evaluated by a home inspector. A home inspection consists of an inspector coming into the home you are interested in buying, and conducting an unbiased assessment of the property to identify any possible issues with the home. If you are purchasing a home in the areas of Knoxville, Maryville, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and want to learn more about what happens during a home inspection, the specialists at Foundation Mortgage can help. Read on to learn more about the home inspection process.
A Basic Guide to the Home Inspection Process
During a home inspection, a certified home inspector analyzes a property and looks for any potential damage or other issues. A home inspection occurs after a buyer has made an offer on a home and before the closing of the sale, and helps a buyer make an informed decision about buying the home. A home inspection helps both the buyer and the seller to locate any specific safety issues and to determine any parts of the home that may be in need of repair. If any issues happen to arise during a home inspection, the buyer can try to renegotiate their original offer and request maintenance or repairs to be made.
What Happens During a Home Inspection?
During the home inspection process, an inspector walks through the home and evaluates all its areas. The inspector will make note of any major, (or minor), defects and may take photo images to document any existing issues. A home inspection generally takes around 3 to 4 hours depending on the size of the home, and it is recommended that the buyer is present during the inspection so they can learn more about the home and have any questions answered.
What Are Home Inspectors Looking For During an Inspection?
Home inspectors typically evaluate the following items during a home inspection:
- Physical structures outside – Inspectors will look at structures on the outside of the home, such as the roof, the foundation, the driveway and garage, the attic, etc.
- Interior home structures – Inspectors will examine the home’s interior to ensure that there is no water damage or other types of issues, and inspect the windows, walls, doors, etc.
- Home systems and appliances – Inspectors will test out the pipes and water faucets, the stove, toilets, refrigerator, dishwasher, etc. to make sure everything functions properly
- Utilities – an inspection will be made to assess the quality of electrical lines, gas service, wiring, etc.
Home Inspection Assistance
If you want to learn more about the home inspection process in Knoxville, Maryville, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Foundation Mortgage can help. Contact our office today for a consultation.
