Homebuyers have greater interest in home inspections

Home inspections are more important to homebuyers than ever before.

About 90 to 95 percent of Pennsylvania homebuyers accompany the home inspector when purchasing a house, according to Kathleen Kuhn, president of HouseMaster, a home inspection company.

“An inspection is more than a laundry list of what’s wrong,” she said. “It’s a way to learn how to maintain the home.”

Consumers are more aware of the condition of a home in today’s market. “There are far more choices on the market so they’re asking more questions,” Kuhn said. “If the needed repairs are too extensive, they know there’s another house on the market.”

Homeowners have a greater interest in home maintenance now too. “When home prices were skyrocketing, there was no doubt that some people were rolling the dice and not worrying about the condition of their homes,” Kuhn said. “That mindset has completely changed.

“Homeowners can’t take for granted that their houses will automatically increase in value so they’re taking the necessary steps to take care of their investment,” she added.

Kuhn suggested homebuyers and homeowners should closely check:

• For loose, damaged or missing roofing
• Eave areas for signs of moisture or damage
• The condition of chimneys
• Flashings for signs of lifting or damage.

In the interior, they should:

• Check all areas for signs of roof or plumbing leakage.
• Check and professionally clean fireplaces, wood stoves and flues.
• Test Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCIs) using built-in test buttons.

For more information on home inspections visit housemaster.com.