Find out what the remodel included
New finishes can make it hard to tell where the work stopped. Ask for a list of changes, when they were made, and who did the work. A remodeled kitchen may still have older wiring or drain lines.
- Ask whether walls were removed, rooms were added, or an attic or basement was finished.
- Ask which parts of the roof, electrical, plumbing, and heating or cooling systems were replaced.
- Gather available plans, permits, and contractor records to share with your agent and inspector.
Check Nashville permit history separately
Metro Nashville Codes links to ePermits for property permit history and inspection status by address. Compare the records with what the seller describes. If the history is unclear, ask Metro Codes what applies to the property. A visual home inspection does not verify permits or signoffs.
Look where old work meets new
Tell the inspector where the renovation starts and ends. On an addition, useful places to review include visible roof and siding transitions, drainage, and accessible framing. In a remodeled kitchen or bath, the inspector can look at accessible plumbing connections, signs of leakage, and ventilation.
If a wall was removed, point out where it stood and share any available plans. Finished surfaces can conceal framing and connections. A structural engineer can evaluate a structural question that remains open.
Decide what needs an answer before closing
Read each finding with its photo and location. Ask what the inspector observed, what could not be accessed, and whether a specialist should evaluate it. Share unresolved items with your agent before your inspection deadline.