Honolulu Home Buyers: Must Ask Questions for Your Home Inspector

When preparing to purchase a house, Honolulu home buyers will have a number of questions, especially when it comes to dealing with the home inspector. Before making such a big investment, you want to make sure that the Honolulu home is in good shape. This is why it is important to be prepared to ask your home inspector questions that matter.

But just as important as the “what” you ask is the timing of “when” you ask it. In most situations, Honolulu home buyers will be better off asking a home inspector questions right on the spot. This way the inspector can show you exactly what is going on instead of you trying to translate the technical report after the fact.

With that in mind, here are some important questions that Honolulu home buyers will want to ask. Getting direct input from a home inspector can help buyers determine whether or not the house is actually the right decision for them.

“Is that a big deal or just a small problem?”

For most, a Honolulu house purchase is the biggest purchase they will make. And because it is such a big deal, it is easy to magnify everything involved in the process.

Keep in mind that it is the job of the home inspector to notify you of all of the issues present in a home – big and small. As you hear the laundry list of issues a Honolulu home has, refrain from panicking. Just because it is pointed out as an issue does not mean it is a deal breaker.

As you move through the house, be sure to note whether or not the issue is a big deal. Being able to differentiate between the two could make all of the difference between you closing or passing on the Honolulu home. 

“Can you please clarify?”

Again, the home inspector is tasked with making you aware of every issue that is discovered, no matter the size or import. That being said, do not be afraid to ask any questions about things that you do not understand. It is important that you are able to follow what the issues are and why they are important.

Home buyers should keep in mind that a Honolulu home inspector cannot tell you whether or not you should buy a house or how much you should try to negotiate down with the seller. A home inspector is there to provide a comprehensive list of items to be aware of.

“Is that an issue?”

As you accompany the home inspector around the house, feel free to point out things that appear a little off to you. While there is a good chance that if there is something strange about a feature the inspector will have made a note to explore in more detail, you can voice your concern over things that look a little off to you.

In most situations, a home inspector will often ask you if there is a specific issue you are worried about before the inspection begins. This is your chance to pre-emptively share any concerns or negatives while also a great time to share whether or not this is your first home.

“How do I deal with this?”

The home inspection can be a great opportunity for Honolulu home buyers to learn. By and large, home inspectors are used to walking people through basic things. While you should not expect the home inspector to walk you through the ins and outs of how to replace a boiler, you can feel confident that he or she will be able to walk you through how things work.

“What concerns you most about this house?”

Upon completion, Honolulu home buyers should receive an overview that summarizes what was found during the inspection. The written report will follow, but this is a good chance for home buyers to uncover some clarity as to what the inspector finds most concerning. 

This is also a good time to ask what – if anything – needs further investigation. In most situations, potential home buyers will want to bring in domain experts like electricians or HVAC professionals to review any areas the inspector highlighted.