How to pick the right home inspector
A few things to consider when searching for the right inspector for your home purchase
The right inspector is only a few questions away
You just got your offer accepted on a property and now your inspection period starts, picking the right inspector for you can be stressful.
Always do your research, a few things to keep in mind when its time & how to ask, and why it’s important
The inspectors experience level & Area of expertise
-How long have you or the company been doing inspections?
-How or what do you know about the city or neighborhood I’m buying in?
Why it’s important?
Reasoning is obvious, the more experience an inspector has, the more likely you will get a thorough job done. The amount of experience in a specific area is also important, certain property defects can become common in a certain area, type of construction, and age. There may be hidden areas, specific access points, or procedures to get into attics, roofs, or crawls spaces that a less experienced inspector may miss or overlook.
The other reason this is important will also tie into another point, but it’s if price is justified with experience. You don’t want to overpay for inexperience, and you may sometimes want to steer clear of the cheaper options as it could be a sign of a new company or inspector trying to attract new clients in a competitive market.
Type of inspections offered, and what’s included
-What do you look for in a home inspection?
-What other inspections do you offer aside from a comprehensive inspection?
-What inspections do you recommend?
Why it’s important?
You want to know what your inspection company offers, or if they exclude any service like a termite inspection as most home inspectors are not licensed to conduct termite inspections. Some Inspection companies may charge a much higher price but then include some extra inspections like insurance inspections. You always want to ask if there is a package deal if you bundle some extra inspections. It’s always more expensive if the inspector has to make an extra trip back to a property so try to get everything in on the day of the main inspection.
Most comprehensive reports include an evaluation of
HVAC systems
Visible plumbing systems
Roofs
Attics and/or crawlspaces (basements in certain areas of the US)
Pool pumps
Structure
Appliances
Electrical systems
Sprinkler systems
Exterior landscape, grading, & driveways
Windows & doors
Walls, floors, and ceilings
Some Inspections that are not included but you should consider
Wind mitigation
4-point Inspection
Drain line plumbing scope inspection
Mold Inspection
Air Quality testing
Radon testing
Infrared (Thermal Imaging) Inspection
Water Quality testing
Lead based paint
Tainted (formerly Chinese) drywall inspections
Asbestos testing
Board affiliation, Licensing, & Certifications
-Are all of your inspectors licensed, and insured?
-What national board are you affiliated with?
-Does the inspector have special training or certifications above regular licensing?
Why it’s important?
These simple questions are often overlooked but should never be skipped out on looking into.
Knowing the specific board which an inspection company is affiliated with will let you better understand, the type of education and training that they have completed, and the standards of practice that they abide by. Standards of practice are crucial to knowing what the inspector is responsible for and how they go above and beyond.
NEVER hire an unlicensed inspector, every inspector present should be licensed and insured themselves.
Hiring an inspector is something that you should not be cheap about, sometimes going with an inexperienced inspector will harm you financially in the long run. Saving 200-300 now may cost you thousands in the future in missed or unforseen issues.
In life you get what you pay for!