We are currently in the middle of a big buyer’s market. If you decide to make an offer on a home, you are going to need to have a home inspector give it the once over before closing on the deal.

When buying a home, you want to know what you are getting into. A home inspector is the person that can give you an in depth, objective opinion. This is why everyone and their brother will tell you to pay for a home inspection before closing. In fact, you want to make the real estate deal contingent upon it being done. If problems arise during the inspection, you can then negotiate their resolution with the seller. This resolution can come in the form of the seller fixing the problem or providing a cash allowance in the closing so that you can handle it.

The necessity and appropriateness of a home inspection is really something that nobody doubts. That being said, nobody really talks about the specifics. What exactly is it the home inspector should take a look at? Glad you asked.

The electrical system should be one of the priorities. Electricity is what I call a fast quip problem. It tends to become a problem immediately, need immediate attention and, if you are unlucky, burn your new home to the ground. This is one area where everything must be in good shape and well maintained. Otherwise, you could be buying the world’s biggest barbeque.

The next area that should be prioritized is the heating and cooling system. Different systems are used throughout the various parts of the country, but you really want to make sure they all work. Why? The cost of buying replacement heaters and air conditioners is not cheap. Throw installation in, and we are talking about a very pricey subject.

A detailed check of the structural competency should also be a priority. This should include a bottoms up examination. The foundation should be checked for cracks, deterioration, settling and so on. The inspection should then move up the walls and to the roof with decay, mold, termites and so on being looked for.

One area that can occasionally slip through the inspection process involves improvements. The home you are looking at my have large home improvements such as new floors or rooms. Make absolutely sure these improvements are up to code and have been approved in writing by the local agency in charge of such things.

A home inspection should always be done when buying a home. There are many things that should be looked at and closely so. You can learn them or just hire a certified home inspector to handle the matter.