Congratulations! You’ve decided to be a homeowner. Buying a new home is just as challenging as it is exciting. When you’re in the process of looking at your options and deciding a home that works best for you, there are a lot of things that you need to consider.

When you go searching for a home to buy, you don’t always see what you’re signing up for. Many homes may look extraordinary on the outside but might have several underlying issues that become apparent after you have made the purchase. That is why a home inspection is the most important procedure that needs to be conducted before making the purchase. Are you looking for homes for sale in St. Louis Park, MN? Check out our website now!

When you hire a home inspector, they will perform a thorough procedure to check the major components of a home and prepare a detailed report. In the report, the inspector identifies any and all issues, along with any immediate repair or maintenance requirements.

A home inspection allows you a better understanding of the condition of the home that you’re buying. If you identify any major issues, you can ask the seller to fix them or give you credit in exchange. While a home inspector knows all the things that need to be checked, it’s important that you do too. So, here’s a home inspection checklist for you to use before making that final decision!

The Ultimate Checklist for a Home Inspection

Your home inspection checklist should include the following 6 main areas of the home:

1.     Structure of the Home

You need to inspect the structural integrity of the home thoroughly to determine if it will cause any problems in the future.

2.     Foundation of the Home

Get the foundation of the home closely inspected, and identify any damage or unsustainable structures.

3.     Exterior of the Home

Make sure you get each and every aspect of the exterior examined so you don't miss anything. Pay close attention to the yard and the roof.

Here are the questions that you need to put down in your checklist in order to inspect the structure, foundation, and exterior of the home:

• Is the foundation in excellent condition visibly?
• Are there any visible cracks or gaps in the foundation, walls, or ceiling?
• Do you notice any sogginess in the landscaping areas?
• Does the drainage system carry the water away from the house properly?
• Does the septic tank have leaks?
• Do you see any evidence of termite damage or pest infestation?
• Are the door and window frames bowed or squared?
• Is there standing water anywhere?
• Do you notice any large cracks in the stucco?
• Is the paint on the exterior faded, peeling off, or stained?
• Does the home have a fresh and healthy look overall?
• Any evidence of decay on the roof?
• Any evidence of patching on the roof?
• Do the gutters drain out properly?
• Any sign of rot, decay, or cracking?
• Is the chimney in good working condition?

4.     Interior of the Home

When you walk inside the home, evaluate everything in sight critically. Here are the questions that you need to put down in your checklist in order to inspect the interior of the home:

• Do you notice any strange smell inside the home?
• Does the insulation work properly?
• Do the electrical outlet's function?
• Are there any stains or cracks on the floors, walls, or ceilings?
• Does the flooring need replacing?
• Do all the rooms have enough electrical outlets?
• Are the window joints properly caulked?
• Do you notice any leakage in sinks or taps?
• Does the ventilation system of the home adequate?
• Are all the toilets properly functioning?
• Does the home have good quality smoke and carbon monoxide detectors?
• Does the attic have any stains or dampness?
• Is the attic properly insulated and ventilated?

5.     Electrical System of the Home

Make sure you get the electrical system of the home inspected in order to avoid any problems after you move in. Here are the questions that you need to put down in your checklist in order to inspect the electrical system of the home:

• Do you see any exposed splices?
• Do you see breakers or fuses overheating?
• Are all the cables and outlets properly secured?
• Are you able to locate the service panel?

6.     HVAC and Plumbing System

Make sure you don’t miss checking out the HVAC unit and the plumbing system of the home. Here are the questions that you need to put down in your checklist in order to inspect the HVAC and the plumbing system:

• Any signs of leaks in the pipes?
• Any sign of damage or rust on the pipes?
• Does the water pump function properly?
• Are pipes allowing unrestricted flow?
• Do all the rooms inside the home receive proper airflow and ventilation?
• Is the cooling unit working properly?
• Are air filters replaced in the cooling unit recently?
• Is there any evidence of asbestos in the pipes or air ducts?

Final Thoughts

Getting a home inspection done by an experienced professional is extremely important before proceeding to buy a home. It gives you a clear picture of what you're getting into and also offers you insights to negotiate with the seller more aptly. Check out our website now for Edina homes for sale!