Home inspection is a critical step in the home buying process, whether you are looking at new construction or a resale. It gives you a much clearer picture of what you’re getting into and can help you negotiate with the seller for repairs or a lower purchase price. It can also point out costly maintenance that is important to factor into your overall budget.

A home inspector is trained to evaluate the condition of a house and its major systems, such as plumbing, electrical, and heating and cooling. During the inspection, they’ll look for obvious issues, like water damage or loose wiring. They’ll also try out things, like turning on and off the lights, flushing toilets, and opening and closing doors and windows to see if they operate as they should. They may also crawl in the attic (if it’s safe) or go on the roof to assess the condition of the structure and look for signs of pests or rot. They will also check the age of the furnace and other major appliances and note any that may need replacing soon.

It’s usually the buyer who pays for the home inspection, although sellers can sometimes pay for it if they want to. It’s a good idea to shop around for an inspector and ask friends, neighbors, and real estate agents for recommendations. You can also find online customer reviews of inspectors to get a feel for their work. It’s also a good idea to attend the home inspection personally, if possible, to ask questions directly of the inspector and get a firsthand look at the property.

The cost of a home inspection can vary, but it is typically less than $500. For a newer home, it’s probably not necessary to have one done, but for an older home or a resale, it’s a good investment that can save you thousands of dollars in repair costs down the road.

While it’s not a legal requirement in New York, it is recommended that buyers have a home inspection before finalizing a sales contract. Problems that are found can be used to renegotiate the sales contract, require the seller to make repairs prior to moving in, or even allow the buyer to back out of the deal altogether. In addition, if problems aren’t discovered and dealt with before closing, they can become the responsibility of the new owner and may even result in legal action. Having a thorough home inspection can help eliminate surprises and unexpected costs, making the home-buying process much more enjoyable.