What to Look for When Hiring a Home Inspector
Know what to expect and choose a professional you can trust
Home inspections can prevent a lot of headaches for both buyers and sellers.
If you are buying a home, an inspection could reveal problems you never would’ve noticed. A home inspection can require the seller to fix what needs fixing before you buy the home. You could also find issues that make you decide not to buy the home. If you’re a seller, an inspection can help you find problems before you put the house on the market, also called a pre-listing inspection.
A typical home inspection covers all major mechanical systems, structural integrity, cosmetic features and other aspects of the house. This includes:
- Heating and cooling systems
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Interior and exterior
- Garages
- Baths
- Kitchen, which includes cabinets, counters, sinks, faucets, garbage disposals and other built-in appliances
- Wood Destroying Insects
- Exterior walls
- Parapets, trim
- Chimney
- Foundation
- Slabs
- Basement and crawl space
- Examination of the attic and roof to assess the insulation, ventilation, framing, roof surface, flashing, penetrations, drainage, overhangs, gutters and downspouts
The typical home inspection takes approximately 2-3 hours, depending on the complexity of the home.
What to expect on home inspection day
On the day of the home inspection, the home inspector performs an initial site evaluation. I will generally take you on a tour to point out the assets as well as any potential problems. Pay attention, watch, and most of all ask questions . A thorough home inspection can find problems related to moisture intrusion, roof leaks, WDI infestation, unsafe electrical wiring, failed plumbing, wet basements, mold and mildew, and safety hazards.
At the end of the inspection, you will receive a written report detailing all the findings. The report will contain photographs and descriptions of any damage or defects found during the inspection as well as details on the location of damage. Pictures help you understand the scope and location of the damage, and visual proof makes it easier to get repair estimates.
So how can I, as your inspector, have expertise in so many different things? The simple answer is: Experience. That’s why it’s important to check an inspector’s background and references. Most home inspections are thorough, but even the best inspectors might not catch everything. “The home inspector is not going to find every possible thing wrong or that could go wrong. That’s an unrealistic expectation.”
Here’s how to find the right home inspector:
- Look for an inspector before you shop for a home. If you choose a home first, time is critical and you may feel pressured to pick the first inspector you meet. That way you are all set with the right inspector
- Ask friends and family for recommendations or look up a list of local inspectors on InterNachi’s website.
- Do your research and ask lots of questions of prospective inspectors, including their backgrounds, the length of time they’ve been in the business, the number of inspections they’ve performed and what sort of report they’ll provide
- Look for an inspector with a broad knowledge of a home’s systems and structures, not just a specialized person such as a plumber or electrician
- If your state regulates home inspectors, check with the state agency to verify the inspector’s license and check his record for complaints
- If your state does not regulate inspectors, look for credentials such as certification by ASHI
- Make sure your inspector is objective, independent and does not have any affiliation with the real estate agency selling the home
- Choose an inspector who carries errors and omissions insurance
- Take the time to speak with several inspectors and have confidence in their skills and demeanor
- Be sure your inspector is familiar with the particular type of house you’re considering. Homes of different ages, designs and materials each have special risks and offer special signs, symptoms and clues to hidden damage
- Choose an inspector who can deliver a completed report with plenty of time for review. Also request an electronic copy so you can e-mail it to friends and family
{Reference: FrontDoor.com}
Board Certified Master Inspector
