The average home in Tulsa sells for around $191,000. While affordable by national standards, it’s still a huge investment.
Getting a home inspection is the easiest way to make sure you’re making the best decision as a buyer and listing the house for the right price as a seller. During the inspection, you’ll find out which parts of the house are in good shape and which need repairs.
However, it’s always best to attend those inspections so you can ask questions while the inspector is there. If you’re not sure what to ask, don’t panic. Here are a few key questions to start with.
Are There Structural or Foundation Issues?
The first thing you should ask during a home inspection is whether there are any visible structural or foundation issues. These problems can be minor, but they can also be serious enough to threaten the structural integrity of the home.
An experienced contractor should be able to fix most of those issues, but it’s not always cheap.
Once your inspector identifies whether there are significant structural issues, they’ll point them out to you and explain what those problems mean for the property. If you’re selling the house, those problems could make it harder to sell for your asking price. If you’re buying the property, you may want to negotiate the cost of repairs with the seller.
Do the Appliances Seem Old or Outdated?
Appliances may not be something you worry about when you look at a home, but you need to consider the condition of the ones that included in the home.
Any appliances that stay with the property should still be in good condition. If they’re not, you’ll want to negotiate with the seller. Your inspector will let you know the general condition of each appliance and will note if there’s anything obviously wrong with them.
They’ll also let you know if they’re nearing the end of their useful lifespan and if a replacement will be necessary soon. This helps you better prepare your budget.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions about each appliance you’re concerned with. If they don’t know the answer, they’ll be able to recommend an experienced professional to help you fix or inspect the system in more detail.
Is the Electrical System in Good Shape?
Electrical system testing should be a part of every home inspection checklist. During the walkthrough, your inspector will make sure the outlets supply a steady current. They’ll also make sure the wiring and switches are up to code.
If they notice any issues, they’ll mention those in their report. This will help you stay aware of any potential fire hazards on the property.
However, you can always ask about the electrical system in each room as you’re going through the home. Use this to your advantage.
If you noticed areas of concern when touring the property, mention them. You’ll get real-time feedback and can spare yourself the stress of not knowing what’s going on.
Will Certain Issues Likely Get Worse Before Closing?
Some issues need immediate repair and others can wait for years without getting any attention. Part of making responsible selling and homebuying decisions involves knowing what you need to deal with immediately and what you can put off.
Ask about the issues they point out as you go through the inspection. They’ll be able to prioritize repairs and can let you know if something will get worse before closing.
The repairs that could get worse before the sale wraps up are the ones that should be a focus of your negotiations.
What Would You Do in My Place?
Even before you receive the report after getting a home inspection, it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. Unless the house is in pristine condition, the inspector will almost always uncover a few surprise repairs and issues.
Some of those issues will be easy to fix, but others could be serious.
You can always ask them for advice. If you’re selling the property, ask if they would repair the damage before putting the house on the market. If you’re buying it, ask if the damage would discourage them from buying the house.
This can give you a better idea of the next steps you should take.
Keep in mind that it’s still your decision. The inspection will give you a clear outline of the condition of the property and its fixtures. It’s up to you to decide if the repairs are necessary or if you’re comfortable buying or selling the home in as-is condition.
Can You Recommend Experts for Further Inspection?
Home inspectors understand how different systems in homes work, but they’re not experts in every single aspect. If you have issues on your property that need more investigating, hiring an industry professional to assess the damage is your best option.
Your inspector is the best person to ask for recommendations. They’ve heard from homeowners which companies are trustworthy and which ones are best avoided.
They’ll be able to refer you to the best experts possible. This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting into when you list the house or agree to purchase the home.
Ask These Questions When Getting a Home Inspection
Getting a home inspection is the best way to find out the real condition of a house or property before you list it or decide to buy it. Just make sure to ask your inspector these key questions when they’re on-site.
The more clarification you get during the inspection, the easier it will be to interpret the information presented in the inspection report.
If you’re ready to schedule an inspection, either as a home buyer or seller, don’t wait. Contact our team today to schedule an appointment and let our thorough inspector check your home out in detail.
