A proper home inspection is your best defense against buying a property that will be a home improvement nightmare. Use these 12 tips to get the most out of your home inspection
12 Tips for Getting the Most out of a Home Inspection
![Show Up](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/dfh17sep035_341522738_10.jpg)
Show Up
![Use Someone You Trust](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16APR_SILENT_06_07-1.jpg)
Use Someone You Trust
![Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH16APR_SILENT_08-1.jpg)
Don't be Afraid to Ask Questions
![Get Pictures for Proof](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH11NOV_523_62_008.jpg)
Get Pictures for Proof
Any home inspector worth using will bring a camera along on the inspection. The inspector will also be heading into places that you won't want to go if you don't have to (the roof, crawl space, under decks, the attic, etc.). Ask your inspector to photograph any potential issues that arise so you can see the issue for yourself and make sure you fully understand the problem.
Infrared and thermal cameras can give you and your inspector a look behind walls and floors that you otherwise wouldn't be able to get without ripping out drywall or flooring. Because this technology is so accessible, your home inspector should use these pieces of equipment throughout the inspection (though some home inspectors may charge an additional fee for this service).
![Do Your Own Pre-Inspection](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH07JAU_DIYKIT_01.jpg)
Do Your Own Pre-Inspection
![Pay Attention to the Roof](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH09JAU_FIXROO_03-1.jpg)
Pay Attention to the Roof
![Look for Cosmetic Fixes](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/NOV_2004_018_T_01-1.jpg)
Look for Cosmetic Fixes
![Test GFCIs](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH07FEB_OLDGFC_01.jpg)
Test GFCIs
![Look in the Attic](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/FH01OCT_ATTICL_02.jpg)
Look in the Attic
![Give the Plumbing a Try](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Kitchen_sink_drain_improper.jpg)
Give the Plumbing a Try
![Furnace and Water Heater](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Backdrafting_Water_Heater.jpg)
Furnace and Water Heater
![Don't Forget the Basement](https://www.familyhandyman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Bad_basement_window.jpg)