You’ve found your dream home, and your offer has been accepted. So, what’s next?

A home inspection should be one of your top priorities as you move through the buying process. Most sales agreements give you a specific period for due diligence, and scheduling a home inspection should be at the top of your list.

At Norway Hill Home Inspections, we conduct a thorough evaluation of all the accessible components of your home. Our inspection covers:

• Structure and Foundation
• Porches and Decks
• Electrical and Plumbing Systems
• Windows and Doors
• Heating and A/C
• Appliances
• Yard and Drainage

We encourage you to join us during the inspection as well. We want you to see what we see and take the opportunity to explain our findings, discuss maintenance needs, and offer possible solutions to any issues.

While no home inspection can predict the exact lifespan of any component or inspect what we can’t see or operate, we can provide an unbiased report on the current condition of your home and its systems. We’ll also show you important features like the water shutoff and explain how your heating system works, ensuring you’re well informed about your new home.

Home Inspections For Buyers FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions from New Hampshire and Vermont Residents

• What is a Home Inspection? 

A home inspection is a visual assessment of a property, covering all accessible systems and components. This includes the roof, structure, siding, plumbing, electrical systems, HVAC, and built-in appliances. The goal is to evaluate the current condition of the home and provide the findings to both the buyer and the seller.

• Why Do I Need a Home Inspection? 

Homebuyers need to understand the condition of the home they’re considering to avoid costly surprises later on. Issues with the foundation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or roof can be costly to repair. A home inspection helps mitigate the risk of such expenses by identifying potential problems before the purchase.

According to the American Home Inspectors Training, “A good home inspection helps a buyer understand exactly what they are about to acquire. While a home may appear move-in ready, an inspector examines features like electrical wiring, plumbing, roofing, insulation, and structural components, uncovering issues not visible to the buyer’s eye. A certified home inspector conducting a thorough inspection can be likened to taking out an insurance policy against potential operating costs.”

• Does the Seller Ever Pay for a Home Inspection? 

Sometimes, sellers may opt for a pre-sale inspection, showing their proactive approach to making buyers aware of the home’s condition. Since time has passed since the seller’s inspection, they might have addressed issues from the original report. It’s still a good idea to conduct your own inspection, whether it’s a walk-and-talk review or a full home inspection. Often, the original inspector can walk you through the home and update you on any maintenance or corrective actions taken.

• What if the Inspection Finds Major Issues? 

Every issue has a solution. We recommend having the relevant tradespeople review the problem and provide a repair cost estimate. Often, these costs can be negotiated to be shared by both the buyer and the seller.

• Can I Use the Inspection Report to Negotiate with the Seller for Repairs? 

Negotiations can be tricky. A home inspection aims to provide a comprehensive report on the home’s condition and reveal any hidden issues. Re-negotiations should focus on significant items that were not visible or disclosed at the time of the offer. It’s best to work with your real estate agent to navigate your offer and negotiation process.

• Can You Help Me Understand the Report? 

Absolutely. We are here to partner with you, helping you understand your home and providing maintenance plans to ensure you care for your investment. Proper maintenance can maximize your home’s value when it’s time to sell.

Download a Sample Home Inspection Report.