How to choose an inspector

What Buyers Need to Know About Home Inspections

When buying a home here is what you will need to know about home inspections:

How to Pick a Home Inspector

It is easy to see why picking the right home inspector is important. You want to know that the home you are buying is something you will be satisfied with. Here are a few pointers to consider in your search for a home inspector:

1. Get a reference from your real estate agent.
2. Look for a company that is bonded and insured.
3. Verify that the inspection company only does inspections – not home repairs and renovations.
4. Find out what the inspection includes and how long it takes.
5. Get references.
6. Verify that you can accompany the inspector while he or she goes through the home.
7. Request a sample inspection report.
8. Compare the cost of hiring different companies.
9. See if you can find an inspector with experience in the type of home you are looking at.
10. Choose an ASHI certified or InterNACHI inspector. These are highly respected organizations that offer inspectors higher levels of training and certifications.

Questions for Home Inspectors

When the home inspector finishes looking at the home you are planning on buying; you will need to ask him or her some questions. Hopefully, you will have lots of questions. Of course, it can be helpful to know what questions are important for buyers to ask a home inspector. Here is a list of summary questions and short explanations about each. Notice some of these things should be asked before the inspection takes place and others after completion.

1. How much does the home inspection cost?
2. What is covered in the home inspection?
3. How is the home inspection done?
4. Can you explain this to me? Home inspectors should be glad to explain their observations.
5. How big a problem is this? You need perspective on what issues are most pressing.
6. Do I need an expert to look at this problem? Diagnosing issues sometimes requires more specific expertise.
7. Is this problem normal? You want to know if a problem is common in most homes or more unusual.
8. Can you advise me on things I should fix when I move into the home? Some problems are better off addressed immediately when you move in.