You can learn in detail what you need to do during home inspection. You can expand your knowledge by attending a home inspection done by a professional home inspector. This information will also help you maintain your home and make it more marketable when you plan to sell it.

You can even become a home inspector by attending some courses, reading some books, and watching some video programs prepared by experience home inspectors and home inspection companies.

Tips and techniques to inspect real estate properties

Home inspection: where to start?

Site inspection: inclination, landscaping, exposure to sun and winds
Foundation: wet ground, water damage on the floor, any cracks
Outside: cracks in the walls, condition of siding or exterior paint, condition of roof, gutters and downspouts
Electrical system: fuses, amperage, function test, smoke detectors, home security system
Heating and cooling: air-condition unit, heating system, fans, ducts and vents
Appliance functioning: refrigerator, washer and dryer, dishwasher, ovens, water heater,
Water supply: water pressure, any water leak, insulation on water pipes against cold weather
Sewage system: toilets flush smoothly, condition of pipes
Tips for inspecting a house
Don't buy any property having structural and elevation problems.
Roof is quite expensive to repair. Check its status with a binocular.
You may use inspection results to negotiate a lower price in buying a real estate property.
Professional home inspection is not expensive ($200-$300). Accompany home inspector and ask questions to learn more about the property.

Roof inspection

Roofs have a life expectancy of 25 years. However, you may need to replace in about 15 years if you do not have ideal weather conditions in your area.

Shingles in place, (not curled, cracked, or broken)
No water damage in the attic

Some home owners place another set of shingles at the top of the old one rather than removing the old one. Every set of shingles on top of another one creates an undue weight. With the additional weight of accumulated snow, this may cause serious problems. Inspect whether there are any old shingles under the roof.

Foundation inspection

No cracks on the floor
Floor is even everywhere (get a ball and let it roll!)
Door open and close freely
Support beams strong (no cracks), no termite damage
No water in foundation

The largest organization on home inspection American Society of Home Inspectors has a directory of professionals specialized in home inspection.

For a directory of home inspectors: National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) and Home Inspections - USA web site.