Fifty years ago, 1 in 50 homes was inspected before a sale. I have since seen a seismic shift in pre-sale inspections. Most buyers expected one before completing a transaction. This is, of course, for good reason. The home inspector inspections provide mental peace, assist in negotiations and identify items that might need improvements.
But how to locate the right home inspector, one who is not only qualified but will also answer all my queries? I may have a roster of people I’ve worked with in the past, or I can surely get recommendations from friends and family. Either way, there are key questions to ask to ensure they will meet my expectations.
HOME INSPECTOR CHECKLIST
Is he licensed?
Home inspectors should always meet all local licensing or registration pre-requisites. He should be indeed familiar with those requirements. In addition, I will ask the inspector if he has access to ongoing education and re-certification, Organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI®), and International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI™), and the National Institute of Building Inspectors (NIBI®), give home inspectors access to continuing education. NIBI expects each inspector to pass a re-certification test annually. If a home inspector cannot provide their credentials it might not make sense to have them on my list.
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How long the home inspector has been in home inspections?
Home inspectors who are more experienced, know what to look for and what could go wrong in a home. But this should not be the only considering factor when selecting a home inspector indeed. Presently, many home inspection franchise organizations thoroughly evidently train their new owners to operate at a professional standard. I have to carefully evaluate when hiring home inspectors. The institutes where they are trained and who were the trainers.
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So he runs a full-time home inspection business?
Experts who serve as full-time workers are likely to be more thorough, offer one-stop shopping for multiple inspection services. They are also more convenient to work with when scheduling the inspection. There can be efficient part-time inspectors, but unless that inspector is working for a full-time home inspection business, they will be counted as less experienced.
What other necessary ancillary services does the inspector offer?
This is not a pre-requisite, as I’m hiring a home inspector to complete a trusted, thorough inspection of my property. As mentioned, additional services such as termite inspections, water quality testing, and radon screening can also assist prospective homebuyers. Not only that, knowing the full scope of what a home inspector offers can also help me be a resource for clients and build those long-lasting relationships essential for sustaining a real estate business.
(Ask myself) How is my rapport with the inspector?
I will take a moment to ask myself: how do I get along with the inspector? This is a necessary person in a crucial moment in the home buying cycle. Could I put forward direct queries? Did the inspector explain things thoroughly and objectively? This is a very necessary indicator that I’ll get the most out of my inspection.
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Overall, home inspections are a crucial part of the home buying or selling experience. I should always take the time to locate the best home inspector for me, who I can work with to ensure I get the information I need to feel confident in the home sale.