Whether it’s your first home or you’ve been through the process multiple times, buying a home in North Carolina is an exciting concept. While it’s easy to get caught up in the things that you love about a property, there are some steps that you should take to protect yourself. Before purchasing a home, it’s important that homebuyers ask for a home inspection.

What’s covered in a home inspection?

A home inspection involves a licensed professional carefully examining every part of a home. Buyers are usually responsible for paying for these inspections, but they’re a crucial component of purchasing residential real estate. These inspections include both the inside and the outside of the home and its systems.

Exterior inspections

When you first arrive at a home that you’re interested in buying, you probably see all the things that you like about it. Perhaps you like the color, the size of the yard, or other amenities. A professional home inspection uncovers any potential problems including:

• Roof damage
• Damage to the exterior walls of the home
• Foundation issues
• Inadequate grading in the yard
• Damage to the carport or garage

Interior inspections

There are some interior issues that potential homebuyers can pick up on. Obvious cosmetic issues often catch the eye of a homebuyer, but there are still plenty of reasons to invest in an inspection on the inside of the home. During the interior inspection, the inspector looks for:

• Plumbing issues including leaks and water pressure problems
• Damaged wiring and other electrical issues
• Problems with the HVAC system
• The condition of any appliances included in the sale
• The water heater

How much do home inspections cost

Home inspectors often work for themselves, meaning they can set their own prices. However, based on national averages, home inspections cost around $350.

When purchasing a home, it’s important to protect yourself financially. Investing in a home inspection is a great way to do that.