Buying a Home This Fall? What New England Buyers Should Know About Home Inspections

Fall is a beautiful time to buy a home in New England.

The leaves are changing, porches are decorated, and it is easy to picture holidays in a new house before you have even signed the closing papers.

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But before you fall in love with the kitchen, fireplace or backyard, take a closer look at the parts of the house that could cost you later.

A home inspection is one step buyers should not rush through.

A good inspection can help you better understand the condition of the property and identify areas that may need maintenance, repair or further evaluation.

And with winter around the corner, there are a few things fall buyers should pay particular attention to.

Start with the roof and gutters

Ask about the age and condition of the roof and look for signs of previous leaks or repairs.

Gutters and downspouts matter, too. Water should be directed away from the foundation—not toward the basement.

Falling leaves can also cover portions of roofs, gutters and exterior areas, so ask your inspector if anything could not be fully evaluated.

Check the heating system before you need it

A New England winter is not the time to discover that your heating system has a problem.

Ask how old the system is, whether it appears to have been properly maintained and whether additional evaluation by an HVAC professional is recommended.

Look downstairs

Basements can provide important clues about a home.

Watch for signs of moisture, staining, cracking, musty odors or previous water damage. Also look at how water drains around the exterior of the property.

Fall rain can sometimes reveal drainage concerns that may become even more important when snow begins to melt.

Ask about radon

Radon testing may be separate from a standard home inspection, so ask specifically whether testing is included or recommended.

If the property already has a radon mitigation system, ask about previous testing and maintenance records.

Don't forget the chimney and fireplace

That cozy fireplace may be one of the home's best features, but make sure you know whether it needs a separate chimney or fireplace inspection before using it.

The same goes for other specialized areas such as septic systems, wells, pests, mold or structural concerns.

Attend the inspection if you can

Buyers should consider being present for the inspection when possible.

It gives you an opportunity to see the property through the inspector's eyes and ask questions such as:

• Is this something I should address immediately?
• Is this typical for a home this age?
• What should I monitor?
• Should another professional take a closer look?
• What expenses should I be planning for?

Research the inspector, too

Do not automatically hire the first inspector whose name is handed to you.

Check experience, reviews, credentials and your state's requirements. Ask exactly what the inspection includes and what it does not.

Consumers can also research home inspectors and other home professionals at BBB.org.

And remember: a long inspection report does not necessarily mean you are buying a bad house.

Homes require maintenance, particularly older New England homes.

The goal is not to find a perfect house.

The goal is to understand the house you're buying before it becomes yours.

Because finding an issue during an inspection is one thing.

Discovering it during the first January cold snap is another.