The Ultimate Checklist for Hiring Home Inspection Services

Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. Before signing on the dotted line, it’s essential to thoroughly inspect the property so you know exactly what you’re getting into. A home inspection can help protect your investment and avoid expensive surprises down the road.

If you’re in the market for a home in Dekalb, hiring a qualified home inspector should be at the top of your checklist. Keep reading for an in-depth guide on choosing the best home inspection services in Dekalb for your needs.

Do Your Research to Find the Best Inspector

There are many home inspection services in Dekalb to choose from, so do your due diligence to pick the right one. Start by asking your real estate agent for recommendations, but don’t stop there. Look at online reviews and ask friends or family who they used.

The inspector you choose should have extensive experience, proper licensing, and carry errors and omissions insurance as well as general liability insurance. They should be a member of a professional association such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI). This helps ensure they adhere to industry standards and ethics.

Interview Multiple Inspectors Before Deciding

Once you have a list of potential home inspection services in Dekalb, set up interviews. This gives you a chance to get a feel for their process and see if it’s a good fit. Come prepared with questions such as:

• How long have you been a home inspector? Do you have experience with homes in this area?
• What does your inspection cover? What systems and areas do you look at?
• Do you provide a written report with photos at the end of the inspection? How long does this take?
• What type of insurance do you carry? Are you properly licensed in this state/county?
• Do you offer any warranties or guarantees on your inspection?
• What is your availability? When could you perform the inspection on this home?

Take notes on their responses so you can compare services side-by-side. Pay attention to professionalism, thoroughness and how well they explain things. Go with someone who makes you feel at ease and answers all questions clearly.

Ask About Their Inspection Process

The inspection process can vary greatly between home inspection services in Dekalb. Get a complete understanding of what a top-to-bottom inspection entails. Here are some key things to ask:

• How long does an average inspection take? Will I be able to accompany you and ask questions?
• How do you inspect areas like the roof, attic, crawlspaces, electrical, etc? Do you use any special tools or testing methods?
• Do you provide any copies of standards you adhere to while inspecting?
• If you find a major issue, how is that communicated to me during and after the inspection?

The inspector should give you details about their systematic process for evaluating the home’s condition. Make sure they inspect all critical systems including structural foundation, roof, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, appliances, ventilation and more. Their methods should align with industry standards of practice.

Ask What the Inspection Report Includes

The inspection report is one of the most valuable deliverables you’ll receive. It documents the home’s current condition including any recommended repairs. Make sure you understand what the report will contain.

Here are key questions to ask:

• Do you provide a written report? Is it sent via email or in print?
• Will it contain photos of any issues found?
• Does it provide cost estimates for repairs?
• How long after the inspection will I receive the full report?
• Can I contact you with any follow up questions about the report findings?

Look for an inspector that provides a comprehensive report with photos, details on issues found, recommended fixes, safety concerns, cost estimates and standards used. They should be able to explain the findings over the phone as well.

Ask About Their Credentials and Affiliations

Proper credentials and training are must-haves when hiring home inspection services in Dekalb. Look for the following certifications and memberships:

• Licensed through your state home inspector regulatory board
• Membership in ASHI, NAHI or CREIA (Council of Residential Engineering and Home Inspections)
• Certifications such as ASHI’s Certified Inspector designation or CREIA’s Master Inspector credential
• Completed training with INTERIEC (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors)

Don’t be afraid to ask for proof of license, insurance, bonding, training logs and credentials. A reputable home inspector will happily provide documentation.

Compare Pricing Between Inspectors

Home inspection costs can range from $300 on the low end to over $500 for larger homes. The national average cost is around $350. Get price quotes from several inspectors before deciding.

Find out exactly what’s included so you can accurately compare. Look for any extra fees for things like checking pools, spas, detached garages, mold tests, septic systems and other add-ons. Also ask if they charge for travel or trip fees.

While cost is a factor, it shouldn’t be the only consideration. A very thorough inspection is worth the higher price. Just make sure pricing seems fair and consistent with the local market.

Ask About Their Experience with Local Homes

While a national certification is important, you also want an inspector familiar with homes in your specific area of Dekalb. Some key questions include:

• How long have you been performing home inspections in Dekalb?
• Are you familiar with common issues for homes of this age and style?
• Do you know local building codes well?
• Have you done inspections on other homes in this neighborhood?

Local experience helps an inspector recognize anomalies and potential red flags. If the property is older, an inspector familiar with common defects in that era of construction is invaluable. Their familiarity with the area can point out concerns you may not think of.

Avoid Conflicts of Interest

Avoid home inspection services in Dekalb that may have a conflict of interest. The inspector should be working for you, not the real estate agent or mortgage lender.

Watch for these red flags:

• Inspector referred by real estate agent or seller
• Inspector who works frequently with one agent or lender
• Inspection company that handles repairs or installations
• Inspections performed by a contractor hoping for your repair business

The inspector should remain neutral and work solely on your behalf. There should be no pressure to use any particular company for repairs.

Read Reviews of Their Customer Service

While credentials and pricing are top priorities, customer service is important too. You want an inspector who communicates well and makes the process smooth.

Look at online reviews and ask the inspector directly about their customer service approach:

• What steps do you take to keep clients informed and address concerns?
• How can I reach you with questions before, during and after the inspection?
• Do you have a satisfaction guarantee if clients aren’t pleased?
• What do past clients say about their experience working with you?

Look for an inspector that’s friendly, responsive, and dedicated to client satisfaction. They should answer questions clearly without making you feel rushed.

Confirm They Can Perform the Inspection on Schedule

Timing is often critical when buying a home. Confirm availability before booking home inspection services in Dekalb. Reputable inspectors often book up days or weeks in advance.

During your initial interviews, ask when they could perform the inspection. Find out how far in advance you’d need to schedule. Let them know your ideal timeframe so they can coordinate accordingly.

Ideally, aim to have the inspection done after the home appraisal but with enough time before closing day. This gives you bargaining power if major issues are found.

Get References from Past Clients

Speaking with past clients gives great insight into an inspector’s quality of work. A thorough inspector should be happy to provide references.

Here are some questions to ask references:

• Did the inspector show up on time and conduct him/herself professionally?
• How clearly did they communicate about what they were inspecting and any issues found?
• Did you receive a detailed inspection report including photos? How long after the inspection?
• Were you able to understand the report findings? Did they explain well over the phone too?
• Did they find issues you wouldn’t have noticed on your own?
• Were their cost estimates for repairs accurate?
• Would you recommend them to friends and family? Why?

Contact 2-3 references to look for any recurring positive or negative themes about their service. This helps validate they consistently meet expectations and are praised by past clients.

Don’t Sacrifice Quality to Save Money

It can be tempting to choose the cheapest option when comparing home inspection services in Dekalb. However, this is one area where expertise and experience make a big difference.

A very thorough inspector often provides valuable insights that a less qualified one would miss. They take extra time to evaluate systems, take photos, explain findings and provide recommendations. This level of detail is worth paying more for.

Saving a couple hundred dollars isn’t worth it if major issues go undiscovered. You could end up paying thousands down the road. Do your homework to find an inspector who provides great value for a fair price.

Trust Your Instincts Choosing the Right Inspector

Ultimately, the decision of who to hire comes down to your gut instinct after doing diligent research. If an inspector makes you feel at ease, answers questions knowledgably, has proper credentials, and is praised by past clients, they’re likely a good choice.

Be proactive finding the best home inspection services in Dekalb for your needs. Follow this checklist to vet inspectors thoroughly first. A few hours spent now can save you big headaches and money later on. With the right inspection, you’ll have peace of mind about your new home’s condition as you close the deal.