Insider Discussion – Ask Your Home Inspector These Vital Questions
Insider Discussion – Ask Your Home Inspector These Vital Questions
What questions should you ask your home inspector when purchasing a home?
Ask: 1) How old are the roof, HVAC, and water heater? 2) Are there electrical or plumbing issues? 3) Is anything not to code or a safety risk? Check out our blog at HoosierHomeListings.com for more.
I hope this information was helpful! If you are considering buying or selling a home, I would love to talk to you. I am a seasoned agent with over 24 years of experience in the local real estate market. I would love to be able to get you the financial result you desire from your current home to get you in to that Dream Home! Don’t hesitate to call me anytime at 260-579-1516 or you can email me at mike@mikearchbold.com.
Ask Your Home Inspector This — Or Regret It Later
When you’re buying a home, the inspection is one of the most important checkpoints in the entire process. It’s your chance to uncover hidden problems before they become expensive surprises. But too many buyers walk through an inspection without knowing what questions to ask… and later wish they had.
To protect your budget, your peace of mind, and your investment, here are three must-ask questions every buyer should have on their checklist before leaving the inspection appointment.
1. “How old are the roof, HVAC, and water heater?”
These major systems are some of the most expensive components of a home—and some of the most likely to fail without warning.
A few reasons this question matters:
- Roof: A roof replacement can easily run $8,000–$15,000+ depending on size and materials. Age gives you a sense of how soon you may face that bill.
- HVAC: Furnaces typically last 15–20 years; air conditioners 10–15. Older systems may require more frequent repairs or lack modern efficiency.
- Water Heater: Most units last 8–12 years. Once they age out, leaks and sudden failures become far more common.
Even if everything is functioning the day of the inspection, understanding life expectancy allows you to budget and negotiate realistically. A “working but aging” system is still a major consideration.
2. “Do you see any electrical or plumbing issues?”
These are the systems most likely to cause safety concerns or expensive repairs if overlooked.
Here’s what your inspector may uncover:
- Electrical: outdated panels, cloth wiring, double-tapped breakers, missing GFCIs, improper DIY additions, or overloaded circuits.
- Plumbing: slow drains, corrosion, leaking supply lines, low water pressure, root intrusion, polybutylene piping, or water damage hidden behind walls.
A home may look clean and well-maintained, but electrical and plumbing issues are rarely visible until an inspector starts testing components. They’re also among the top problems that derail closings—or blow up budgets after move-in.
3. “Is anything not to code or considered a safety risk?”
Code violations don’t always mean a home is unsafe. In fact, older homes are allowed to have features that wouldn’t meet today’s standards. But when your inspector identifies something that’s unsafe, that’s when it becomes a serious concern.
Common examples include:
- Missing handrails
- Improper venting
- Faulty wiring or open junction boxes
- Unprotected outlets near water
- Loose deck boards or undersized supports
- High carbon monoxide levels
- Defective garage door sensors
- Lack of proper fire separation between garage and living space
Safety issues should always be addressed—either by the seller before closing or by negotiating a credit so you can fix them immediately after moving in.
Bonus Tip: Get photos, videos, and clear explanations
A good inspector will:
- Walk you through the home,
- Show you what they find,
- Provide photos or videos in the report, and
- Explain items in plain language.
Ask questions. Ask follow-ups. Ask until you fully understand.
This is your opportunity to learn the home you’re about to own. Use it fully.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to become an expert to make a smart home purchase—you just need to ask the right questions. By covering the roof, HVAC, water heater, plumbing, electrical systems, and potential safety issues, you protect yourself from surprises and step confidently into homeownership.
Want more buyer tips, inspection advice, and local market insights?
👉 Visit HoosierHomeListings.com for blog posts, videos, and resources for Fort Wayne buyers and sellers.
Michael J Archbold
Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro
RE/MAX Results
8101 Coldwater Rd
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
c. 260-579-1516
e. Mike@MikeArchbold.com
w. www.MikeArchbold.com
Oh, by the way… if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number. I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.
Why Does RE/MAX Results Stand Out Among the Competition?
Simply put: Relationships. We pride ourselves not only in our professional service but more importantly in the personal touch we bring to our business. Has an agent/lawyer/contractor/vendor ever treated you like you were just another paycheck? The reason our clients come back time and again and refer all their friends and family to us is because they know we are part of the family.
Genuinely caring about the people we serve enables us to do things other agencies can’t. Rest assured, we will ALWAYS have your best interest at heart and work vigorously to get you the best deal possible on your home or business. The relationships we build with our clients enable us to work 100% by referral.
The reason we are able to give top notch service to our clients is because our clients refer us a constant stream of quality family and friends to assist in their real estate needs. While other agents are out making cold calls and chasing “potential” leads, we are freed up by our referral base to service our clients like no other broker can. We are never too busy for your referrals!
Want to experience the difference for yourself? Call or text me today at 260-579-1516.
“Professional Service with a Personal Touch“
We’re Here To Help
Are you or someone you know considering a home purchase? Don’t hesitate to call or text me, Michael Archbold, at 260-579-1516 and I will connect you with the best mortgage professionals in the business who can get you your score, discuss ways to improve it if necessary, and put you on the path to home ownership. Click here to read more about our Buyer Services. Click here to browse listings NOW! Looking to sell your home? Call today to set up an appointment to begin developing your customized marketing plan. Click here to read more about our Seller Services.
Hoosier Home Listings by RE/MAX Results is a full service real estate Web site serving Northeast Indiana. We assist residential and commercial clients in locating, buying, and selling real property in the State of Indiana including but not limited to the counties of Allen, Huntington, Wells, Adams, Whitley, Wabash, Kosciusko, Noble, Dekalb, Lagrange, Steuben and cities including Fort Wayne, Decatur, Bluffton, Huntington, Warsaw, Columbia City, Butler, and Angola. RE/MAX Results is an Equal Housing Opportunity company.
Hoosier Home Listings – Insider Discussion – Ask Your Home Inspector These Vital Questions…
… brought to you by Michael Archbold, Hoosier Home Listings, and RE/MAX Results.
The consummate professional, Michael Archbold (Associate Broker, REALTOR, ePro) brings a diversified background to the world of real estate. Born and raised in Fort Wayne, Mike graduated Wayne High School in 1992. He received bachelors degrees in Accounting in 1997 from Indiana University and Information Technology in 2005 from Indiana Wesleyan University. Mike comes to Re/MAX with more than 20 years of experience in sales and accounting. He began his career in real estate in 2000 as an investor.
