Buying a home has never been more difficult. There are so many factors going against the buyer that it can become all too easy to wind up in a home that you don’t really like because it is the only thing available.
One of the things protecting buyers is the home inspection. A home inspection can keep you from buying a home that requires constant work, making things more complicated. But there are a few things to know about hiring a home inspector.
Referrals and Reviews Are Key
It isn’t such a commonly-used service, so finding reviews and asking for referrals is crucial. It is better to know directly from the source what it is like to work with a particular inspector.
By checking referrals and reviews, you can find out what an inspector is like before ever talking to them. The best inspectors have a great track record of doing the job and doing so in a timely manner. It can save a lot of trouble along the way.
Talk to Candidates
It is important to not just hire the first home inspector you find. Compare a few, “interviewing” them along the way. Ask the inspector you are considering whether they are properly certified and licensed or bonded. That proper coverage is important in the event that there is a mistake in the inspection report.
It is also important to know whether a home inspector is part- or full-time. With a part-time inspector, it is possible that they don’t give the profession the time and attention that it requires. A full-time inspector, meanwhile, likely has all the training, certification, and experience needed to be great at their jobs.
Be There
Although it isn’t required that you be there when the home inspection is conducted, it is highly recommended. This is because the inspector can show you any red flags as they may appear and even offer advice on how to proceed.
There is a good chance that repairs are going to be required. But when you talk to the inspector, it can be helpful to ask if they either know how to perform the repairs or if they have connections that can do the job.