Andrew Cunningham-Moorat

Home Inspector & Photographer

10 Questions for Home Inspectors Before Inspection

beige suburban house with lights on under blue sky

As a home buyer, it’s crucial to know the condition of the property you’re interested in purchasing. A home inspection is an essential part of the home-buying process that can help identify any potential issues or concerns. However, not all home inspectors are created equal. To ensure you’re hiring a qualified professional, it’s important to ask the right questions before the inspection. Here are the top 10 questions you should ask your home inspector:

Are you licensed and insured?

It’s essential to hire a licensed home inspector who is insured. This protects you in case of any accidents or errors during the inspection.

What does the inspection cover?

Make sure you understand what the inspection includes and what it doesn’t. Ask if the inspector will inspect all major systems and components, such as the roof, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC.

What’s your experience?

Ask about the inspector’s experience and background. How many inspections have they performed? Are they knowledgeable about the local building codes and regulations?

Can I attend the inspection?

Attending the inspection is an excellent opportunity to learn more about the property’s condition and any potential issues.

How long will the inspection take?

The length of the inspection can vary depending on the property’s size and condition. Knowing how long it will take can help you plan your day.

When will I receive the inspection report?

The inspection report is a crucial document that outlines the property’s condition and any potential issues. Ask when you can expect to receive it.

What are the most significant issues you’ve found during inspections?

This question can help you understand what types of issues the inspector commonly finds and what you should be looking out for.

What should I do if issues are found during the inspection?

If issues are found during the inspection, ask the inspector for advice on how to address them and what steps you should take next.

Are there any safety concerns?

The inspector should be able to identify any safety concerns that need to be addressed, such as faulty wiring or unstable staircases.

What maintenance tips can you provide?

Finally, ask the inspector for any tips or advice on maintaining the property in the future. This can help you avoid potential issues down the line.

Conclusion

In conclusion, asking the right questions before a home inspection can help you make an informed decision about the property you’re interested in purchasing. Make sure to ask about the inspector’s experience, the inspection’s scope, and any potential safety concerns. By doing so, you can ensure that you’re hiring a qualified professional who can provide valuable insights into the property’s condition.

6 Common Problems Found During A Home Inspection

andrew cunningham-moorat 6 common problems found during a home inspection

Whether you are selling your house or buying your new home, you will have to go through the home inspection process at some point. An inspection can be the deciding factor as to whether or not someone purchases a house depending on what issues are present. 

As a home inspection professional, Andrew-Cunningham Moorat has a careful eye for detail and is an expert at examining key areas of properties to ensure buildings are in a safe condition. Today he shares the 6 most common problems found during a home inspection.

  1. Structural issues with the foundation, basement, roof, walls, framing, etc.
  2. Roof issues such as a roof that needs to be repaired or replaced altogether.
  3. Leaks in the plumbing or problems with the septic system, including water damage of any kind in the home.
  4. Problems with the electrical wiring, especially in a home that was built before the 1970s.
  5. High radon levels. Radon is a naturally occurring gas, but it is radioactive and causes cancer.
  6. Evidence of termites, carpenter ants, or bees.

Top 8 Problems Found During A Home Inspection

So, you found the house of your dreams, and the seller has accepted your offer. Congradulations! Before the deal is closed, however, you need to have your potential new home inspected. Depending on any issues present in the home, you may still be able to neogitate with the seller, or decide the house isn’t worth all the hassle after all.

Andrew cunningham-moorat top 8 problems found during a home inspection professional home inspector

Andrew Cunningham-Moorat is an independent home inspector with an eye for detail. As a professional in the industry, he shares the top 8 problems found during a home inspection.

  • A roof that needs replacing. This usually needs to be done about every 25 years, and can cost thousands of dollars.
  • Problems with electrical wiring, especially in older homes.
  • Poor drainage around the home.
  • Hidden mold, which can be caused by improper drainage or leaks in the home.
  • Plumbing issues, such as leaks and low water pressure.
  • Inadequate ventilation and insulation in an attic. This is commonly an issue in older homes, and it can make the house less energy efficient.
  • Issues with the foundation.
  • Pest infestations, such as termites.

Top 4 Tips for Viewing a Property

When on the property hunt, viewing new homes is an exciting time. You get to envision how you are going to live in your new property. Where will the furniture go? What color scheme will this room be? When viewing a new property, it is important to not get too caught up in the fantasy and take an unbiased approach. You want to learn as much as you can about your potential new home. 

Andrew Cunningham Moorgate home inspector inspections top 4 tips for viewing a property first time home buyers

Andrew Cunningham-Moorat is a professional home inspector with an eye for detail. It is the home inspector’s job to ensure that the property is safe to reside in, so he often walks into a home inspection with the same careful consideration he would give to a house he was purchasing himself. Today, he shares his top 4 tips for first time home buyers when viewing a new property.

  • Drive around the area of the house during the day and night to get a good feel of the neighborhood.
  • Take someone with you to the property viewing to give a second opinion. This can be a partner, friend, or family member. 
  • Be as thorough as you can possibly be. 
  • Write a list of things that are important to you in a home and take it with you to each viewing. You can check things off the list each time you view a new property so you can compare them.

Are Home Inspections a Legal Requirement?

If you are going through the home buying process for the first time, you’ll know it is a lengthy and frustrating process. One thing that most people do when buying a home is getting a home inspection done on the property. Is it actually a legal requirement though?

Andrew Cunningham-Moorat is a professional independent home inspector with an eye for detail. His services are available for non commercial residential and mixed use properties. Cunningham-Moorat understands that a home inspector plays a vital role in the home buying process. Today he breaks down whether or not it is required to get a home inspection.

The short answer to this is no, it is not strictly a legal requirement to get a home inspection before purchasing a house. However, it is extremely risky not to get the home inspected before purchase.   Without a proper inspection, you have absolutely no idea what problems your new home may have. You mortgage provider will also strongly recommend that you get an inspection before purchase. Some things that the home inspector looks at include:

  • AC and heating systems
  • Water heater
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical system
  • Walls, ceilings, and floors
  • The attic and roof
  • Windows
  • Basements and foundations