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A house will likely be your most expensive purchase. It is important to understand what you are getting before buying one. How do you make sure your home is in good condition? It is easy to hire a home inspector who will give you an in-depth report on its condition.
A home inspector usually costs $300-$600 depending on the location and the type of house. This may seem like a large sum to spend, especially if you don’t know if you will buy the house. However, it is worth considering the possible cost of owning a house with serious structural or system problems. An experienced home inspector will help you avoid buying a money pit.
Not all home inspectors are qualified and some may even be unethical. If you hire a home inspection that fails to spot serious problems, you could be spending a lot of money on repairs and improvements.
What does a home inspector do?
The best way to find hidden problems in a house is to hire a qualified home inspector.
The majority of professional inspectors have some construction experience, whether they are in engineering, architecture or contracting. They are responsible for crawling under the floors and attic and checking for any structural and mechanical systems defects.
The buyer receives a full report. This allows the buyer to decide if the house is worth buying or to list the items that need fixing. It is not uncommon for the report to include about 50 items. This service usually costs $500 or more.
During an home inspection in Riverview, you are usually allowed to join the inspector. This allows you to discuss details and ask questions about any concerns. However, you won’t want your inspector to climb under the floors, so make sure you choose someone you trust.
Find house inspectors by searching the telephone directory or calling the American Society of Home Inspectors at (800) 743–ASHI or www.ashi.org. This trade association has over 6,000 members. Membership requires at least one year of experience. For more information on home inspectors, visit Inspect America Home Inspections. HomeAdvisor has a searchable database with contractors.
House inspectors are often referred to clients by real estate brokers. However, it is best to get references from a non-partial broker. Friends who have recently purchased houses are often the best source for reliable house inspectors. They believe their inspectors were professional, honest, thorough and trustworthy.
It is crucial to hire an honest, qualified, and fair inspector. These are five tips that will help you find the best home inspector.
Select an Inspector who is neutral
Unfortunately, many people find hiring an inspector who is motivated to over-report problems by asking their agent.
When assisting a homebuyer with purchasing their home, a good agent will often recommend an inspector they have worked with before. This is normal. The deal is normally in motion with a 24-hour clock ticking. Otherwise, the deal could fall apart.
Here’s the problem. If an inspector is hired who relies on your real estate agent for regular business, they may minimize or ignore some issues to help close the deal. Otherwise, they might not be called the next time. The inspector might not be able to address major issues, but they would be foolish to sue you. Their report may be a bit soft. For them to be honest, you need the exact opposite. It is important to know all the details about your house. Otherwise, you could end up having to pay for the repairs.
Locate a Certified Home Inspector
A certified member of a trade organization, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, is someone you should hire. A certified member of these associations means that the inspector cares about their business and has passed a rigorous testing and certification process. They also adhere to standards and keep up-to-date through continuing education.
These organizations will gladly help you locate local inspectors. They offer geo-search functions on their Web sites.
You can also use online review sites such as Yelp and Angie’s List to find customer reviews when vetting prospects.
Pay attention to qualifications
However, a person being called a “home inspector” doesn’t necessarily mean they are qualified. Home inspector experience varies by state. Some states do not require any training or background.
Ask potential candidates about their qualifications before you call them. What is their full-time work experience in inspection? How many houses has he or she inspected? Ask them to bring a copy of any certification or license they claim to possess.
An inspector must have a deep understanding of the structure, plumbing, electric, drainage, and other details to spot problems. Ex-general contractors and candidates with extensive experience in the home trades are often the best qualified.
Learn the actual cost
Set a price and be clear about what is and isn’t included. The home inspector will inspect every area of the house or garage that is accessible, including the crawlspace, basement, and attic. The home inspector should inspect all electrical and plumbing systems, assess the structure, including the foundation, roofing, siding, and search for hazards.
You may eventually need to hire additional experts to report on mold, termites and asbestos. Most home inspectors do not include these inspections in their services. In the contract, make sure you include a detailed list of what inspections will be performed.
Request a sample of an inspection report. It should be clear and well-organized. It should identify problems, explain the reasons for them and recommend repairs. Most reports do not include cost estimates for repairs.
An inspection will report on the house’s condition as it stands the day before the inspection takes place. It identifies issues that could affect the property’s value or pose a risk. It does not tell you how long a particular part of a house will be in good condition.
Ask when you will get the report after the inspection. It is usually within 24 hours.
Verify your insurance coverage
General liability (GL), which covers bodily injury, property damage and any damage caused by an inspection, should be carried by your inspector. An inspector should also have errors and omissions insurance. This covers losses if the inspector fails to report serious problems. It also covers bodily injury and property damage that may result from an error or omission. Ask for a copy the inspector’s insurance.
Last Thoughts
It is important to be present for the inspection. This will ensure that nothing is missed or forgotten and allows the inspector to clarify any issues.
The inspector’s report should be received within the time frame agreed upon. You can discuss with your agent the report’s findings and whether you want to change your offer. This will depend on the amount of work required to make the house safe.
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