Buying a Home

Home Inspection Checklist for First-Time Buyers in Maryland

ByPrecision Home Inspections
2 min read

Buying your first home in Maryland is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life. The home inspection is one of the most important steps in that process.

Before the Inspection

  • Hire independently: Your inspector works for you — choose someone with no financial relationship with the agent or transaction.
  • Confirm MHIC licensing: Home inspectors in Maryland must be licensed by the Maryland Home Improvement Commission. Verify your inspector’s license at the MHIC website before booking.
  • Book early: Inspections are scheduled within the inspection contingency window — typically 7–10 days after ratification. Don’t wait until day 5.

Day of the Inspection

  • Be present: First-time buyers especially benefit from attending. You’ll learn things about the house that a written report can’t fully convey.
  • Plan for 2–4 hours: Larger or older homes take longer.
  • Dress appropriately: You may be near the attic or crawl space. Closed-toe shoes at minimum.

What to Ask Your Inspector

  • What are the three things about this house you’d want to know if you were buying it?
  • Is this finding safety-related or more of a maintenance item?
  • What type of contractor would I need for this repair?

Maryland-Specific Things First-Time Buyers Should Know

  • Radon: Maryland is a moderate-to-high radon risk state. Test every home, especially those with basements.
  • Lead paint: Pre-1978 homes have lead paint somewhere. Baltimore City homes built before 1950 are especially likely to have significant lead paint presence.
  • Basement water: Common in Baltimore. Learn to distinguish between historic staining and active ongoing intrusion.
  • Older electrical: Homes built before 1970 may have Federal Pacific panels, knob-and-tube wiring, or 60-amp service — all with insurance and safety implications.

Schedule Your Inspection with Precision Home Inspection

We work with first-time buyers throughout Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Harford County, Howard County, Anne Arundel County, and Carroll County. Same-day reports, plain-English findings, and we’re always available to answer questions after delivery.

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