10 Questions to ask a Home Inspector! First Time Home Buyer?

🏠 First-Time Home Buyer? Here’s What to Expect from Your Home Inspection

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but your home inspection doesn’t have to be. At Home Inspection Carolina, we specialize in helping first-time home buyers across Charlotte, Raleigh, and surrounding areas navigate the inspection process with confidence and clarity.

🛠️ Getting Ready for the Inspection

You’ve applied for a mortgage, submitted your paperwork, and finally found your dream home. Now comes one of the most important steps: the home inspection.

For first-time buyers, not knowing what to expect can make this step feel intimidating, but it’s actually designed to protect you.

🔍 What Is a Home Inspector’s Role?

Your home inspector is like a general practitioner for your house. Just like your doctor performs a checkup and refers you to a specialist if needed, your home inspector evaluates the entire home and refers you to licensed professionals (e.g., plumbers, electricians, or general contractors) when further evaluation is necessary.

This protects you from surprises and helps you make an informed, confident decision.

🧠 Why Not Hire a Specialist Instead?

You could hire a separate expert for every system in the home, but that would take time, coordination, and significantly more money. A certified home inspector is trained across all major systems in the home, providing a comprehensive evaluation in one efficient visit.

🤝 What to Expect From Your Home Inspector

Your inspector is your advocate. Here’s what you can expect:

• A full visual inspection of major systems and components

• A focus on safety hazards, structural issues, and defects that could affect your investment

• The opportunity to ask questions and better understand the condition of your home

• A detailed report delivered within 24 hours

10 Questions to ask your Home Inspector for a First Time Home Buyer.

1. Where is the main water shut off?
   (This is important to know in case of an emergency, or if you want to turn off the water when going on vacation.)
2. Where are the GFCI outlets located, what do they do, and how to reset them?
3. Does the home have AFCIs? If so, where are they located and how do I reset them if they are trip.
   (The GFCI and AFCIs are electrical breakers that protect you. GFCIs are required in areas where water is located. AFCIs are typically located within the electrical panel. They trip if there is an arc within your electrical system.)
4. How many thermostats does this home have, and where are they located?
   (You may have a home with multiple thermostats that control one unit or two. This is good to know what they control so you can efficiently heat and cool your home.)
5. Where are the return air registers and air filters?
6. What size are the air filters, and how often should I change them?
   (The air filter is the most important and inexpensive way to maintain your HVAC system. If the air filter becomes clogged, it causes the unit to work harder to pull air across the air filter, causing strain or stress on the unit, ultimately reducing the lifespan of the unit.)
7. Is the home equipped with Carbon Monoxide detectors, if so, where are they located?
   (If the home is equipped with gas appliances, you want to make sure that carbon monoxide detectors are installed for safety. If not, make sure that you install them after moving in.)
8. If there is a fireplace with gas logs installed?
   (Ask your inspector how they work, start them, and if there are any safety concerns that you need to be aware of.)
9. What is the age of the HVAC UNITS? (Heating and Air Systems)
   (Home inspectors may not be required to identify the age of the units within the report, at the inspection is a great time to ask them. Knowing the age of the units can give you a good estimate of how much life you can expect to get out of them with proper maintenance. The typical life span of a unit can range from 10 – 15 years.)
10.  Don’t hesitate to call your inspector after you receive the report. If you don’t understand something, the home inspector is there to help you through the process.

At Home Inspection Carolina – Our Mission: To ensure that all our clients receive exceptional service and satisfaction. Creating client relationships and protecting your investment is our #1 Priority!