How to Choose the Best Home Inspector
Congratulations! You put an offer in on a house and it’s been accepted. Now comes one of the most important decisions you will make in the buying process: hiring a competent, trustworthy, and knowledgeable home inspector. When you’re making one of the largest investments of your life, it is important that you use a well-qualified professional to ensure you know exactly what you are getting into. Here are some key questions to ask.
1. What is Your Home Inspector’s Education and Experience?
Check inspectors’ resumes. After all, you are hiring for a job and you want to ensure they are the best available. Connecticut requires all inspectors to be licensed but what training or education do your inspectors have beyond that? Do they have any degrees or advanced degrees in related fields? Are they certified in any other specialty areas (like crumbling foundations)? Also, ensure that they belong to a professional home inspector association like InterNACHI. A good inspector’s website should contain all you need to know. If it does not, then you may want to look elsewhere.
2. How Long Will a Typical Home Inspection Take?
If it takes less than two hours, the home inspector may not be spending enough time to do a thorough inspection. Will they inspect the structure, systems and components of the home, inside and out, from the foundation to the roof, using the latest tools and technology? Will the inspector encourage you to attend your inspection so that they can describe their process, explain findings, and point out important maintenance items? A great inspector will take the time to ensure that all your questions are being answered.
3. What Will the Home Inspection Report Include?
Ask for a sample of the inspection report and check what it includes and what it does not. Is there a focus on the most important health issues like mold or poor water quality? Will there be detailed photos to fully explain any issues? Ask how long it takes to receive the report. Pay attention to what technology inspectors are using. Are they using state-of-the-art equipment and providing you everything you need using the latest technology? This is a clear indication that your inspector is intent on staying current to provide you with the best information and service in a timely manner.
4. Ask for Your Home Inspector’s References and Recommendations
Reputable inspectors will be happy to provide references upon request but be sure to follow up on them to ensure they are legitimate. Agents are often a good source to consult with when looking for an inspector. You can also ask other real estate professionals you know and trust like real estate attorneys or mortgage brokers.
5. Read Home Inspection Reviews Carefully
A word of caution: home inspections is a field where reviews should be carefully screened. Sellers may post bad things about an inspector because he discovered negative things about their home; or buyers may post negative things because they didn’t understand the limitations of the inspection. That being said, great reviews are an excellent indicator of exceptional knowledge and service.
The Bottom Line on Choosing the Best Home Inspector
There is much at stake so do your research to find the right home inspector for you..Find someone you are comfortable with and ensure they have the professional background and education to provide you the best inspection. Only then will you have all you need to make the right informed decision.
How Angell Home Inspections Can Help
Angell Home Inspection Services is dedicated to providing superior residential property inspections and ancillary services for first time and seasoned home buyers, sellers, investors and real estate agents. We provide the industry’s leading digital inspection report that is easy to use and navigate keeping the user in mind. We will strive to consistently deliver an unmatched level of client service, being on the forefront of innovation, continuing education, and certifications upholding our unwavering commitment to ethics, expertise and excellence in our profession. Check out our consistent 5-star reviews on Google!
Please call us today at (860) 402-6644 or schedule your inspection here.
