A thorough home inspection can help draft a buying contract contingent on an acceptable inspection. This means that you will be better positioned to negotiate the property price or even terminate the deal based on the detailed home inspection report. Many homeowners skip the home inspection before buying a new property and miss out on price negotiations or deal with expensive structural repairs after moving in. That said, you cannot expect a thorough home inspection without a certified home inspector.
A certified home inspector will look for aesthetic, cosmetic, and structural issues in your home like pest infestation, broken windows, or the home’s looks as advertised. If you aren’t sure where to start, here are ten tips to help you out.
What is the Purpose of an Inspection Report?
An inspection report is an important document that details the findings of a home inspection. It’s designed to help the buyer decide about the property. The report will list any defects or problems found during the inspection and recommend repairs.
Here are some aspects a home inspection report has:
- Outline of potential structural issues: This includes cracks in the foundation or signs of water damage.
- A description of any safety concerns: This may include electrical hazards or gas leaks.
- A list of major mechanical systems: Details about heating, cooling, and plumbing systems.
- A list of minor repairs: These are usually cosmetic issues that don’t impact the function of the home.
- A general overview of the property: This includes information about the home’s size, age, and condition.
- A summary of the inspector’s findings: This is a brief overview of the most important items in the report.
- Recommendations for further evaluation: If the inspector finds something that needs more attention, they may recommend a follow-up by a specialist.
Now that you know what to expect in an inspection report, here are ten tips on finding a certified home inspector.
10 Tips on Finding Certified Home Inspectors For Your Property Inspection
Having a certified home inspector inspect your property is crucial because they will have enough information to prepare a detailed report and include the above-listed document components. This is why it is worth spending your time finding a certified home inspector that can help you with appropriate property estimation. These ten tips will help.
Get Referrals
Talk to your real estate agent, friends, family, and co-workers. If someone you know has recently had a positive experience with an inspector, they’ll be happy to recommend them. But remember that every property is built differently, so inspections may vary. When seeking referrals, consider getting inputs from property owners with a home similar to yours.
Ask these questions:
- Did the inspector arrive on time?
- Did they perform a thorough inspection?
- Did they take the time to explain their findings to you?
Check Credentials and Certifications
Browsing through a list of certified home inspectors is important because they’ve gone through the proper training and have the experience to know what to look for during an inspection. In addition, many states require inspectors to be licensed or certified. You can check with your state’s licensing board to verify an inspector’s credentials. The National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) is another great resource.
Here are a few details to check:
- Are they licensed or certified in your state?
- Do they have any specialties, such as mold testing or radon testing?
- Do they have liability insurance?
Read Online Reviews
Reading reviews is a great way to get an idea of other people’s experiences with a particular inspector. But be sure to take the reviews with a grain of salt. Some people may be more critical than others or have unrealistic expectations. Also, keep in mind that every property is different, so one person’s experience may not reflect your own. Try to find a balance of positive and negative reviews to get a well-rounded idea of what to expect.
Ask For Samples of Previous Reports
Asking for samples will give you a good idea of their writing style and how they present information. You should also pay attention to the format of the report. Is it easy to read and understand? Does it include photos or other visual aids?
Interview Multiple Inspectors
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential inspectors, take the time to interview each. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get to know them better.
Some things you may want to ask about include:
- How long have they been in business?
- How many inspections have they performed?
- Do they offer any additional services, such as mold testing or radon testing?
- What is their availability?
- What is their fee structure?
Observe the Inspection
Paying attention to their inspection will give you a good idea of their inspection methods and how they communicate with you. If you can’t be there in person, ask if the inspector would be willing to provide a video or audio recording of the inspection.
Get a Written Report
The written report should be a detailed document that includes information on the condition of your home and any recommendations for further evaluation. The report should also include photos or other visual aids.
Review the Report Carefully
If you have any questions, ask the inspector for clarification. They should be able to explain their findings and provide additional information as needed.
Follow Up on Recommendations
If your inspector makes any recommendations, be sure to follow up on them. This may include getting a second opinion from another professional or making repairs to your home.
Ask for a Discount
In some cases, you may be able to get a discount on your inspection fee. For example, many inspectors offer discounts for first-time customers or referrals. You may also be able to get a discount if you schedule multiple inspections simultaneously.
What to Consider When Hiring a Certified Home Inspector
While looking for an inspector’s credentials is important, there are other factors to consider to ensure you find certified home inspectors and hire the one you like.
Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Areas of specialty: Which domains or property aspects do they specialize in?
- Home size: As homes vary by carpet areas and amenities, you need to hire a home inspector specializing in your home size type.
- Distance willing to travel: Is the home inspector willing to relocate for a few days for the inspection?
- Fee structure: Lump sum or retainer model? (if you sign a contract with them)
- Scheduling availability: Are they currently occupied with other projects? Is time going to be an issue?
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you’ll be well to find the perfect certified home inspector for your needs.
Final Word
Getting a property inspection done annually or before moving to a new home is essential in ensuring that you get the best bang for your buck. Moreover, a home with structural problems like leaking taps or naked wires can also be a safety hazard.
A certified home inspector will be able to point out such issues in their detailed home inspection report. However, it is important to hire the right home inspector, which this post discussed. By following the tips discussed in this article, you can be sure that you’re getting the best possible service for your needs.
