When you're moving to a new city to start a new job, it can be easy to overlook some important steps in the home buying process just to speed things along. But one thing you should never overlook is the home inspection. Homeowners and buyers in other cities have been burned this way before, so don't let it happen to you. If you're not convinced that a home inspection is necessary, here's a run down of what your home inspector will do for you.

Click here to arrange for four point inspection on a home or condo you are considering for purchase. Once you have hired a home inspector, you then book a time for the inspector to be let into the house by the sellers. Never let the seller arrange for the home inspection or dictate to the home inspector what he or she can or cannot look at. Any competent home inspector will know that a homeowner refusing to allow access is a sign that something major is wrong and that the owner is trying to cover it up.

Professional inspectors tell us that during the inspection, your inspector will evaluate the condition of the house. This includes its structural stability, plumbing, electrical fixtures and visible wiring, heating and air conditioning system, fixtures, driveway, doors, chimney, and outdoor additions. Depending on the home inspector, you may or may not want to arrange a separate pool inspection for houses with in-ground pools. Often general contractors are not qualified to judge the condition of the pool - you must call a pool installation company. It is also important to note that home inspectors cannot know what is going on inside walls that lack inspection panels.

In some areas where harmful chemicals or gases are known to be a problem, the home inspector will test for the presence of such toxins as lead, asbestos, and radon. However if you want a radon inspection, you will have to make sure to ask your inspector to add that to his or her plan, as it is not commonly done. All home inspectors are also trained to recognize the signs of insect and pest infestations, such as cockroaches, mice, termites, mold, and mildew.

Learn more about radon gas here

Once your home inspector has completed his or her tests, you will receive a report on the home. Most homes have something wrong with them, so flags on your inspection report do not necessarily mean you should give the home a pass. Instead, you might arrange for a more thorough mold inspection to determine the extent of the water problem or ask the homeowner to reduce their asking price to reflect the fact that the home has flaws you will need to correct once the deal is done. Many thanks to Delayed Closing (click to learn more) and Wheels Auto (car dealership marketing), for their continued support.