Finding the right home inspector is important, and when you need to locate one you may want to ask around, talk to other people about the inspector they worked with, and also consider reviews online. Another way to find a good home inspector is to determine what qualities a real estate agent would look for when they choose an inspector, because they are knowledgeable regarding houses and the building codes they need to meet.
Knowing what to look for, and knowing who to hire when it comes to what you want and need in a safe home is very important. Here’s what real estate agents consider:
1. A Generalist With Knowledge of a Lot of Different Systems
Good real estate agents know that not all home inspectors have the same kind of knowledge base. Some may be more specialized than others, so you’ll want to look for one that has strong, general knowledge of all the home’s systems. If you’re buying a very particular type of home, it makes sense to look for an inspector who is more specialized, but they should still understand and be comfortable with all the different systems in the home to give you the best and highest level of information.
2. State Licensing and Regulations Compliance
Some states require inspectors to be licensed and others don’t, but if your state does you’ll want to check to see if the inspector you choose is properly licensed and if there are complaints against them. For states that don’t require licensing, consider what credentials the inspector has and what organizations they are a member of. That way you can see what they offer to their community and what types of affiliations they have, along with whether they are up to date with requirements, regulations, and anything else.
3. Proper Insurance for Errors and Omissions
People make mistakes. It’s a part of life and can’t be avoided 100 percent of the time. Fortunately, there is insurance to protect you in case an inspector would make an egregious mistake that really causes you a problem. Small issues that are missed are to be expected, but if you end up with a serious issue that the inspector clearly should have seen, you want to make sure you have some protection in case you end up with significant extra expenses for repairs after buying the home.
4. Someone Who Provides Thorough Reporting
A full report should be part of what your inspector provides. Instead of just offering one or two pieces of information, or telling you verbally whether there are major problems, you should expect a comprehensive report with explanations. That way you can choose what to do next, based on what may or may not be wrong with the home. Reports that are comprehensive are necessary to get the full picture of what shape the house is really in. Then you can make a well-informed decision.
Don’t forget to consider personality, too. Getting along with your home inspector is important—you want someone you can work with and talk to. That can help you get more from the inspection experience, so you can feel even more confident when you buy your home.
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