Introduction
Finding the perfect house may feel like the hardest task when you’re in the market for a new home. However, once you’ve groomed through the listings, visited numerous open houses, and eventually found your dream haven, there’s one more very crucial step before closing the purchase – the home inspection. Hiring the right home inspector can save you from future headaches and unforeseen repair costs. Therefore, it is important that you thoroughly vet potential inspectors before selecting one. Here are the essential questions to ask before you sign that contract.
1. What does the inspection cover?
A standard home inspection should provide a visual examination of the physical structure and major interior systems. The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) provides a standard of practice and code of ethics that outline what should be covered in a home inspection. Make sure to ask your potential inspector about what their inspection covers and compare it against these standards.
2. How experienced are you?
The experience of the home inspector matters a lot. An experienced inspector knows exactly what to look for, can spot issues easily and understands how houses systems and components are meant to function as well as why they fail. Be sure to ask potential inspectors about their experience. It is generally advised that you hire someone who has performed at least 300 inspections per year.
3. Are you certified or licensed?
In some states, inspectors are required to be licensed, while others are not. Therefore, it is important to ask if your potential home inspectors have any active licensure or certifications. Certifications from professional organizations such as the ASHI and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) prove the inspector’s competency and professionalism.
4. Can I attend the inspection?
Your presence during the inspection will give you a much clearer understanding of what is involved and the ability to ask any questions to ask your home inspector about any issues that arise. An inspector who discourages your presence should be a red flag.
5. How soon will the inspection report be ready?
Time is usually of the essence in real estate transactions. Therefore, it’s important to understand how soon after the inspection the inspector will provide a complete report. This can vary by inspector and the complexity of the property, but typically you should expect to get the report within 24 to 48 hours.
6. Are you insured for errors and omissions?
While your home inspector might be highly qualified, they are also human, and humans make mistakes. That’s where Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance comes in. This insurance covers the home inspector in the event that they miss something during the inspection. It also gives you peace of mind knowing that they will not hesitate to report any problems they might find.
7. Can you give me references?
A good inspector will be more than willing to provide references. Contacting previous clients can give you insights into the inspector’s performance, attention to detail, and customer experience.
8. What type of report do you provide?
Ask about the format of the report. Is it narrative, checklist style, or does it include photographs? A quality report is detailed, includes pictures, and provides clear explanations of findings. Some inspectors may offer online access to the reports, while others provide a printed copy, so be sure to ask this question to know what to expect.
9. Do you offer post-inspection advice?
Issues may arise in your home after the inspection that you’re unsure about. An ideal home inspector should be able to provide post-inspection advice or recommend reputable professionals in different fields (electricians, roofers, etc.) when necessary. This service will come in handy when you need clarification or need to address problems later on.
10. How much does the home inspection cost?
Finally, cost is always a factor to consider. The cost of a home inspection varies depending on the size and age of the home, among other considerations. Be aware that the lowest price may not mean the best deal. The cheapest inspectors may not be the most experienced or thorough, ultimately costing more in missed or overlooked issues.
Conclusion
Remember, a home inspection is your defense against future problems. The inspector you choose should be someone whom you trust to do a thorough job and provide a report that gives you an accurate picture of the condition of the home. Hence, it is imperative to ask these important questions before you hire an inspector. Your new home is a significant investment, and choosing the right home inspector is just as vital.
