8 Tips for Home Buyers Before Hiring a Home Inspector

We usually ask clients if there are any specific concerns about the house before we inspect it. However, more often than not, the answerbuyers is something similar to, “No, it looks like a nice place.” So, how closely did they really look before making an offer? Here are some tips ~ below are for ways for home buyers to look a little closer at a property themselves before hiring a Home Inspector.

  1. Drive the neighborhood (day & night)
    What’s the foot traffic like in the neighborhood?
    Are there a bunch of kids, moms with strollers, young professionals or juvenile delinquents?
    How much noise do the neighbors make?
    Do you drive to work (or anywhere else regularly)? If so, test your morning and evening commutes and time how long it takes you.
  2. Take a walking tour
    Reevaluate all of your answers to the questions above.
    How far is the nearest coffee shop or restaurant?
    What is the condition of sidewalks and public plantings?
    (a well-manicured neighborhood usually suggests stronger civic engagement)
  3. How’s the plumbing?
    You don’t need to test every faucet, but a quick check will show you the water pressure & draining. Plus, if you can let it run for a minute, you’ll be able to see how long it takes for the water to heat up.
  4. Test the windows
    Open a few windows.
    Do they open, close, & lock properly?
    Is there a lot of traffic or neighborly noise?
    When the window is closed, can you feel a draft around the edge?
  5. Visit in the light & the rain
    Try to schedule a visit when the sun is out.
    How does the natural light flow through each room?
    Do any rooms seem especially dark? If so, could it be the paint color causing the problem?
    How dark do the bedrooms get? Close all the shades and see if the light still filters through. If so, and you enjoy sleeping late, you might want to add room-darkening shades to your shopping list.
    What about when it’s raining? Are there any obvious leaks? Is there any standing or pooling water in the yard, patio, etc.?
  6. Listen up
    How does sound travel within the home? Turn on the dryer, dishwasher, etc. to hear how loud it is.
    If you’re buying a unit in a multi-unit building, how loud are the neighbors?
  7. Measure the storage space
    Some sellers clear their homes of all clutter, but many don’t. Empty closets, pantry, etc. look bigger and stuffed spaces can look much smaller. Take out a tape measure & compare the actual size with wherever you live currently.
  8. Bring your marbles
    Are the floors level? What about the counter tops? Bring a marble to find out. When you place the marble on the surface, does it stay put or start rolling?

6 thoughts on “8 Tips for Home Buyers Before Hiring a Home Inspector”

  1. I really like the advice to check the home a little bit yourself before hiring a home inspector. I don’t think that many people understand the difference it makes to inform the inspector on specific concerns one may have.

  2. I liked your comment about how driving around your neighborhood at different times of day will help you get a feel for what the area is like. It’s not hard to see how this could be really helpful when planning to purchase a new home. It would also make sense to me to hire a home inspector to make sure that there are no issues that could cost you later on.

  3. I like this web site very much, so much excellent info. thanks for taking the time to share your wisdom, knowledge, & thoughts.

  4. Sherlock is THE BEST 🙂
    I followed their advice & it really paid off.
    Thanks Bunches!!! 😀

  5. Didn’t think of some of these.
    Good advice ~ Thanks!
    😀 UPDATE: 08/16/2018
    Followed these tips & backed out of a deal I would have been SO unhappy with.
    Luckily I did so BEFORE paying for a Home Inspection.
    On the hunt again.
    Once I’m ready I will be calling Sherlock for sure!

  6. OK – I have some stuff to do first, but i will surely be calling SHERLOCK soon.

    Thanks for the tips 😀

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