The Latest Tips That Make Choosing the Best Home Inspector Simple

Posted On Wednesday, 12 January 2022 19:48

Inspections are a necessary evil in the home buying process. They can be time-consuming, expensive, and may even lead to unpleasant surprises if you don't know what to look for.

If you are planning for an upcoming inspection, there are several things you should know first.

In this article, we'll explain everything you need to know about choosing the best home inspector.

Ask for Personal Recommendations

You can ask your real estate agent or a smart homeowner who has recently bought a home to recommend someone they know.

There is nothing better than word-of-mouth advertising when it comes to hiring professionals.

Thus, this may be one of the best ways to find an inspector you feel comfortable with and trust according to Aegis Environmental.

Favor Home Inspectors with Specialties

Let's say that certain specializations that interest you such as historic homes or asbestos testing.

It's important to look for inspectors who have experience in those areas.

The more knowledgeable the inspector is, the better their ability will be at spotting potential problems early on.

Research a Residential Inspector's Reputation Online and Offline

Start by doing a quick Google search on the best inspectors in your area.

Take some time to read reviews and testimonials from past customers of each home inspector before making any final decisions.

Some online review sites you can check out include Yelp, Angie's List, and Thumbtack.

Another option is to ask for recommendations from local real estate agents.

If possible, see if you can schedule an interview with prospective inspectors.

This is so that you get a sense of their personality as well as professional qualifications before hiring them.

Ask Questions That Will Determine Whether or Not They Are Right For You

Asking the right questions can help you determine whether or not an inspector is best for your needs.

Some great questions to ask are:

  • How long have you been practicing as a home inspector?
  • What types of specializations do you have?
  • Can I see any customer reviews that rave about their services?
  • Do you provide inspection reports within 24 hours and how many photos will they include in my report?
  • Which forms of payment do you accept and what methods of communication work best with your schedule (email, phone, text)?
  • Where exactly will you be conducting my inspection (inside/outside)?

Check the Better Business Bureau and Other Professional Organizations

It's best to check for any complaints filed against the residential inspector you are considering hiring.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a great place to start looking into an inspector's professional history.

You can also contact their local chamber of commerce and ask around about anyone who may be qualified to conduct home inspections in your area.

Don't Assume That Credentials are Everything

While having the proper credentials is important, it's not everything.

Some home inspectors without them may be very good at what they do and some highly-qualified home inspectors may not have the best bedside manner.

The most important thing is to feel comfortable with your inspector and to ask as many questions as possible so that you know what to expect from the inspection process.

Compare Different Home Inspection Reports

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential home inspectors, be sure to compare the different types of inspection reports they provide.

Some may only offer a checklist-style report which won't include any photos, while others may offer a more detailed narrative report with dozens of accompanying images.

Make sure you are getting what you expect and that the inspector is using terminology that you understand.

Ask for a Sample Report

If possible, ask the inspector if they can send you a sample report from a recent inspection they conducted.

This will give you a good idea about the level of detail they go into as well as how easy it will be to read and understand their findings.

Factor in Experience and Training

Some inspectors may have more experience than others.

You can get a sense of this by asking them how long they've been in the business and if they are certified or licensed to complete home inspections.

Professional certifications are good but it's best to hire an inspector who has qualifications that suit your specific needs best.

Do you need someone with specialized knowledge about electrical issues or plumbing problems?

Be sure to find out what their training entails before signing on any dotted lines.

Ask About the Services You're Getting for Their Price

Before you hire a home inspector, it's best to have an idea of what exactly they'll be doing for their services.

Some inspectors may only conduct walk-throughs and provide written reports while others might offer additional services such as thermal imaging or mold testing.

Find out if there are any add-on fees so that you don't get surprised by unexpected costs after the inspection is complete.

Inspectors can vary in price depending on your location, size of the house, and condition of the home (new vs. old).

Be sure to ask about all potential charges before making any decisions since some small details could end up costing substantially more than expected in the long run.

Hire a Professional Inspector That Guides You Through Their Process

The best home inspectors are the ones that take the time to walk you through their process and explain everything they are looking for as they go.

This helps to alleviate any fears or concerns you may have about the inspection process and allows you to ask questions along the way.

It's also a good idea to get input from your inspector about anything in the house that you're unsure of so that you can make an informed decision down the road.

Get Copies of Insurance and License Documents

Before hiring anyone, be sure to ask for copies of their insurance and license documents.

This will help you verify that they are legitimate and insured in case any damage is done to the property during the inspection process.

You should also keep these documents on file in case you need to contact them or file a claim later on.

Ask if They Offer Ancillary Inspections

Some home inspectors offer ancillary inspections such as mold testing, thermal imaging, or even roofing and foundation evaluations.

If you're interested in any of these services, be sure to ask the inspector if they offer them and how much extra it will cost.

Many times, these types of inspections can be conducted at a discount if they are done along with the regular home inspection.

Find Out How Long the Inspection Process Takes

Some home inspectors can complete a full inspection in as little as two hours while others may take considerably longer.

Ask the inspector how long they anticipate the inspection process will take so that you have a good idea of when you can expect to receive their report.

Many times, an inspector will be able to give you a rough estimate of how long the entire process will take before even starting the inspection.

Watch Out for Obvious Red Flags

The best home inspectors will be the ones that don't hide anything from you.

If an inspector tells you upfront about any potential problems with your house, then they're probably a good choice for making sure everything else is done properly and thoroughly too.

With that said, here are some things to keep in mind.

To begin, inspectors should not allow anyone other than themselves and their assistants inside of the property during inspections.

Next, be wary of someone who won't let you walk through all areas of the house or doesn't ask what specific parts are most important to inspect.

Finally, do not hire anyone if they do not provide proof of insurance coverage as well as license documentation upon request.

Always check these documents thoroughly before signing anything.

Always Hire an Objective Home Inspector

While some friends or family members may offer to do a home inspection for you, it's always best to hire an inspector that's not related to you.

This is because they are trained to be objective and will provide an unbiased report of the property.

Friends and family members may have personal biases that could affect their findings, even if they're trying to be impartial.

Make Sure the Inspector is Experienced with Your Type of Home

Different types of homes may require different techniques to be inspected properly.

For example, older or historic homes will need an inspector with knowledge about best practices for these types of properties instead of someone who is only familiar with modern construction.

The best home inspectors are the ones that have experience working on your type of house so they know what problems might arise and how best to address them.

Start Your Search Early

Don't wait until the last minute to find a home inspector.

Ideally, you should start your search at least two weeks before the inspection is scheduled to take place.

This will give you plenty of time to research different inspectors and interview them so that you can make an informed decision.

Ready to Choose the Best Home Inspector?

As you can see, choosing the best home inspector doesn't have to be difficult. In fact, if you follow these tips, the hiring process will be a breeze.

Do you want to learn more about real estate? If so, check out more of our helpful articles.

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