Tips for Choosing the Right Professional for Your Home Inspection
Buying a home is one of the biggest investments most people will make in their lifetime. While it’s exciting to find your dream house, it’s also crucial to make sure you know exactly what you’re getting into before signing on the dotted line. This is where hiring a professional home inspector comes in.
A thorough home inspection will help identify any issues or defects with the home that could affect your decision to purchase it or impact your negotiations with the seller over the price and repairs. Choosing the right home inspector takes some research but is worth the effort to gain peace of mind about your investment. Here are some tips for selecting the ideal professional for your home inspection needs:
Do Your Research to Find Candidates
A good first step is asking your real estate agent for recommendations of home inspectors they’ve worked with and trust. Agents often have first-hand knowledge of an inspector’s skills, reliability and professionalism. You can also check with friends or relatives who have recently bought homes in your area for referrals.
Online reviews of local home inspection services can provide insight into things like an inspector’s inspection process, communication skills and cost. Look for inspectors with mostly positive feedback from past clients. Professional Home Inspections in Phoenix businesses with a track record of satisfied customers are often a safer bet.
Don’t just choose the first inspector you come across. Take some time to research a few options before deciding. This will allow you to get a sense of average costs in your area and see what services each inspector provides.
Verify Licensing and Certifications
When evaluating home inspectors, you’ll want to confirm they have the proper licensing and certifications. Most states require inspectors to be licensed, which ensures they meet certain education and experience requirements.
Look for inspectors who are members of professional organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). These affiliations demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and adherence to codes of ethics and standards of practice.
Ask inspectors about their specific training credentials like degrees or certifications related to home construction, engineering or architecture. This type of specialized expertise can allow an inspector to provide thorough evaluation of issues specific to your home.
Look for Experience with Your Home Type
While a home inspector needs general knowledge of things like electrical, plumbing and structural systems, it also helps if they have experience with your specific type of home.
For example, some inspectors focus on older homes and can adeptly assess concerns like dated wiring, outdated plumbing or asbestos. For newer construction, you may want someone familiar with modern building codes and materials.
If you’re purchasing a condo or townhouse, find an inspector accustomed to evaluating units that share walls andamenities. Those buying historical homes will want someone well-versed in antiquated design details that require special maintenance.
Ask candidates about their background inspecting homes similar to yours so you can gauge their level of relevant expertise.
Confirm What’s Included in the Inspection
Home inspectors offer a range of inspection services, so it’s important to understand exactly what will be covered during your evaluation. Ask about all aspects the inspector will examine, such as:
- Structural integrity – foundation, floors, walls, windows, roof
- Electrical systems – wiring, outlets, fuse box, operation of lights
- Plumbing systems – pipes, water pressure, functionality of fixtures
- HVAC systems – heating, cooling, ductwork, thermostats
- Major appliances – water heater, furnace, stove, etc.
- Pests – signs of termites, carpenter ants, rodents or damage
- Mold, radon or lead risks
- Pool/hot tub equipment
- Security systems
- Fire safety features – alarms, sprinklers
- Any outbuildings like a garage or shed
A standard home inspection may not include things like checking for mold or pests, so inquire about any additional testing you may want. Understanding the full scope ahead of time ensures no critical aspects are overlooked.
Ask About Their Process
The inspection process can vary from inspector to inspector, so get a clear picture of what a home evaluation with that professional would entail. Here are some key questions to ask:
- How long will the inspection take? Average is two to three hours for a typical single-family home.
- How do they document their findings? Ask if they provide a written report with photos of any issues found.
- Will they do a walk through with you after? Most inspectors review their observations in person.
- Can you attend the inspection? Many encourage homeowners to join to see the systems being tested.
- Do they fix or just identify problems? Inspectors should only diagnose issues, not attempt repairs.
- How soon after will you receive the report? Most inspectors provide next day.
Understanding their protocols will give you an idea of what to expect if you choose that inspector.
Compare Costs
Home inspection fees can range from $300 to over $500 depending on your region, square footage and additional testing requested. Get price estimates from several inspectors on your short list so you can get an idea of reasonable rates.
Ask about what’s included. Some only provide a verbal consultation or charge extra for a written report. Make sure you know the full cost breakdown and what you’ll receive for your money.
While an expensive inspector isn’t necessarily better, very cheap options may not be as thorough. Find the best balance of appropriate pricing and top-notch service. Professional Home Inspections Phoenix companies that have been around for a while normally provide fair rates and value.
Consider Specialty Inspections
For further peace of mind, you may want specialty inspections beyond the standard evaluation:
Radon testing: Radon gas exposure can increase lung cancer risk. Have an inspector test radon levels in the home’s air and water supply.
Mold assessments: A mold specialist can check for hidden moisture issues and any problematic mold growth. Air samples may be taken.
Lead paint analysis: If the home was built before 1978, peeling paint should be tested for unsafe levels of lead that could require remediation.
Asbestos checking: A certified professional can detect asbestos in old insulation, floor or ceiling tiles that could become a health hazard if disturbed.
Septic inspections: For rural properties with septic systems, ensure proper drainage and functionality to avoid expensive repairs down the road.
While home inspectors look for obvious issues in these areas, an in-depth specialist inspection may provide greater peace of mind.
Ask About Their Work Guarantee
Reputable home inspectors stand behind their work and offer some type of satisfaction guarantee. If they miss a major defect during their inspection, they should come back to re-evaluate at no additional cost. Policies vary, but a guarantee provides reassurance the inspection will be thorough.
Be wary of inspectors unwilling to provide a written guarantee. The right professional will demonstrate confidence in their skills and workmanship.
Read Reviews and Ask for References
Checking reviews and getting references are two other ways to confirm you’re choosing a home inspector who provides top-notch service.
Professional Home Inspections Phoenix businesses that have been around for several years will have multiple reviews on sites like Google that highlight customers’ experiences. Look for specifics about their inspection expertise, professionalism and follow up support.
You can also directly ask candidates for references from past clients. Speaking to 2-3 people an inspector has worked with previously can give direct feedback on their inspection performance.
Taking these steps provides greater confidence you’ll get a comprehensive, high-quality home inspection.
Trust Your Instincts
When contacting different home inspectors, pay attention to how knowledgeable and professional they seem. Look for excellent communication skills and a willingness to answer all your questions thoroughly without pressuring you to hire them.
The right inspector-client relationship requires mutual trust and understanding. You want someone who instills confidence they’ll perform a thorough, competent inspection in your best interest.
Rely on your gut instincts when choosing who to entrust with assessing the sizable investment of your prospective home. If something feels off, move on to consider additional qualified candidates.
Schedule the Inspection ASAP
Once you’ve selected your preferred home inspector, book your inspection as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute before closing.
Most experts recommend having the inspection within 14 days of your offer being accepted. This gives you negotiation power if serious issues are found that could lower the home’s value.
Scheduling quickly also allows time to get a second opinion if you have concerns about the initial inspector’s competency. You don’t want to be stuck with an inadequate inspection right before closing.
Booking early in the purchase process also builds extra buffer in case repairs are needed that could delay closing. You want to avoid surprises that could jeopardize your timeline.
