by Dorothy Sander

Created on: December 20, 2008   Last Updated: March 22, 2009

For a first time buyer, considering the purchase of a home can seem a daunting task. There are so many unknowns and things to consider when looking for your dream home. Making sure the house you are considering for purchase is safe is one item that should be at the top of a first time home-buyer's list. It is easy to get caught up in the superficial look and feel of a house and neglect to consider its safety and structural integrity.

HIRE A PARTNER

The best way to make up for the lack of experience is to hire someone who has the awareness of, and knowledge about, the fundamental elements of a safe home. A home inspector is one such person. Home inspectors are trained in all areas of home safety and integrity and are able to provide the first time home buyer with an unbiased, professional inspection that will provide the necessary information needed to make an informed decision.

HOME INSPECTORS

Home inspectors are trained to look at every part of a house and report to their client in detail the condition and safety of all systems. They will examine the house under consideration from the roof to the basement. They will make sure the heating and air conditioning systems are working properly and safely; they will check the electrical system and make sure there are no shorts or potential fire hazards; they will examine the structural integrity of the house and expose any weaknesses in the structure or termite problems. These are just a few of the things a home inspector will look at and inspect. They will then give their client a full written report describing in detail everything they found - both functioning and non-functioning.

THE HOME INSPECTION REPORT

The home inspection report will give the new home buyer all the information they need to make a decision about the safety and condition of of the house, therefore, making it easier for the buyer to make a decision. The inspection results will tell the buyer whether or not the house is safe to live in and will provide an open look at some of the problems or potential problems. The buyer should not hesitate to ask questions about any of the inspectors findings. Some inspectors are extremely detailed. Do not panic. Many of the items on the list may be things that can be easily fixed, such as a bathroom door that doesn't latch, a squeaky door, or a loose cabinet knob.

What you need to consider carefully are any major problems with the structural integrity or any of the major systems, such as the heating or cooling system. These are the items that will have an impact on the safely of the home and likely incur the largest expense. If safety concerns do exist, it does not mean you cannot purchase the home, assuming they can be repaired. What it does mean is that repairs will need to be made prior to moving in and the cost should be analyzed and factored into the purchase price offered.

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HOME

First-time home buyers will benefit from visiting the the website for the American Society of Home Inspectors, well-established and reputable organization. Their website is a great place to learn about the type of training licenced home inspectors have. There is also a search option for finding a reputable home inspector in your area.

If you are a first-time home buyer, you need not be intimated by a lack of experience. Just arm yourself with knowledgeable and an experienced partner, such as a licensed home inspector, and you will find a safe and comfortable home.

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