When looking to buy a home, it is important to find the best possible home inspector/home inspection service. However, with so many to choose from, how can you quickly find the one which will best serve you? Here are five tips to help you find a great home inspector.
1. Check online Reviews of Home Inspectors
Reputation is everything. There are many review websites available to help you….
It may seem trite to some, but the Better Business Bureau has been helping consumers since 1912. In that time, the organization has developed a reputation for reliability. To be sure, there are many contractors including home inspection services which are very reputable but not members. However, the BBB often handles complaints of non-member businesses in the area. A good rule of thumb is that for every complaint reported to the BBB, there are dozens unreported. It only takes a minute to check out a prospective home inspector.
2. Ask if the Home Inspector Specializes in Home Inspections
Home inspection services that specialize in commercial properties often also perform home inspections. However, the types of construction and the issues which may arise are different. If home inspections are simply an add-on service, the home inspector is not an “expert” in home inspections. Keep looking.
3. Ask How Long the Inspection Will Take?
This is a tricky one. Ask the home inspector how long the inspection should take. Don’t show your hand. If they ask why, tell them you want to be present during the inspection, but are busy. In reality, you do want to be present, but more importantly, this will tell you how thorough they will be. According to HUD, a “typical” amount of time to inspect an average size home is between two and three hours. If they say, “Oh, half an hour or so,” you have a big red flag.
4. Ask if You Can be Present During the Walk-Through Inspection
Any home inspector that will not let you be present during the walk-through is hiding something. If they do not want you present, find another. In fact, the best will encourage you to be present so that they can point out problems you can see for yourself. This saves them time later because most home owners will want proof of any serious problems; if the home owner was not present, the inspector then has to either return to show the problems or deal with a customer claiming the report is flawed. Either case is bad for business. An experienced inspector will know this. One without the experience needed to do your home inspection justice will not appreciate the question. If they balk, end the conversation.
5. Costs, Offer of Repairs, and More
When you get ready to hire a home inspector prior to buying a home, you will find that most are very professional. They will generally let you know the cost up-front. Too, many offer home repairs. Some states/professional associations permit this, others do not. The reason is that doing so creates a conflict of interest. Some homeowners will be fine with this practice, others are not. It is best to check the laws of your state before committing to any home inspector or inspection service that offers to perform repairs which may be needed. If the law says not, the service is less-than-reputable.
Of course, these 5 tips for finding a great home inspector are only the tip of the proverbial iceberg. We will expand on these and more in future articles so be sure to bookmark us and return often.