One of the most important steps in buying a home is ordering a home inspection. The inspector is trained to look for and identify major problems with the home before you sign the final paperwork. A professional inspector is knowledgeable and thorough and may save you from costly unexpected repairs. Here are a few questions to ask your home inspector.
6 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector
1. What Are the Home Inspector’s Qualifications?
Hire an inspector who has professional training. Many states have certification programs through a state board. Other inspectors might be certified by organizations that provide training and continuing education for home inspectors.
2. How Much Experience do They Have?
A thorough home inspection requires patience and attention to detail. Find out how much experience your home inspector has, and ask how long they’ve been in the industry and how many homes they’ve inspected. A highly experienced inspector who has completed plenty of inspections is most likely to give an accurate and in-depth evaluation.
3. Ask Your Home Inspector What is Included
Find out from your home inspector what’s included in the price. All inspections should cover major areas such as the heating, roofing, electrical system, and plumbing, but make sure you’re clear about what your home inspector will be looking for.
Also, ask about other testing your inspector offers and the tools they use. For example, some professionals use an aerial drone during inspections to better inspect parts of the property that are difficult to access. A drone can easily collect photographs and video of the roof and guttering system.
4. Do they Have a Sample Report?
A sample inspection report will give you an idea of what to expect your report to look like so you’ll know how the inspector presents their findings. A thorough report will include detailed information about defects, problems, and safety concerns. The inspector will also offer recommendations and provide photographs.
5. When are They Available?
As a buyer, it’s your responsibility to hire a home inspector. When buying a house, things can move quickly, so you’ll want to know when your inspector is available. The inspection needs to be performed as soon as possible so you’ll have plenty of time to talk with your real estate agent and the seller and negotiate based on the report.
6. Ask Your Home Inspector About Your Major Concerns
Be sure to have your home inspector to check on anything concerning you may have spotted when touring the home. They’ve been in the industry and have probably encountered similar problems and concerns before. They have the knowledge to answer your questions about the condition of the property.
Choosing the right home inspector and asking the right questions will make the difference between a good sale and a bad experience. Take your time to select the best person for the job. Ask friends and family for recommendations and interview a few inspectors who you think you’d like to work with. Buying a house is a big investment and your home inspector will help you feel more confident about the process.
Coastline Home Inspection provides inspections to customers in the Hampton Roads area. Contact us to make an appointment for our services.
