Congratulations! You have submitted an offer to purchase a home. It’s now time to have a home inspection so you can be sure that you are ready to proceed with the purchase.
Many potential buyers include inspections as a condition in their purchase agreements. It is a smart move. It’s not a wise decision to purchase a home and then find out that the foundation or roof are in poor condition.
You may not be familiar with the things you should look for in an inspector, or how to choose the right one if this is your first home purchase. Before you hire a home inspector Sherwood Park, here are some things to be aware of.
Ask for referrals and check reviews
Who are you most trusted? Your family and friends are most likely the ones you trust. You should reach out to your family and friends when researching home inspectors within your area.
A friend or family member who has recently purchased a home may be a candidate. You may need to meet with multiple inspectors before you decide to hire the one that is most comfortable.
Next, read their reviews. You can find reviews on websites such as Angie’s List and Yelp. The reviews you read should help you determine whether the inspector is right for your home.
Interview Potential Candidates
Reach out to a trusted inspector once you’ve identified one. Before you move forward, there are a few things you need to confirm. These are some questions you should ask your inspector before they hire you.
Are you licensed and certified? Some states do not require certifications or licenses. Most home buyers want to hire a certified inspector. A certification or license will let you know that your inspector has been properly trained and completed course work.
Are you bonded and insured? If the inspector makes a mistake in an inspection report, they are covered by insurance. If the inspector overlooks something that could lead to thousands of dollars in repair costs, and the inspector does not have error and omissions coverage, the buyer will be responsible and must pay for the corrections.
Are you a full-time home inspector? If so, you will know that there is a high demand for your services, which could indicate that they are skilled at what they do.
What time will the inspection take? It may take less than two hours to inspect the house.
Do you have a complete report? What information will it contain? Do you have pictures? Is there a sample available? What is the time it will take to get it? Asking to see a sample will help you determine if the style of reporting is right for you. You should receive your report within 24 hours (subject to any home tests being completed).
Are you a member or a former member of a professional association for home inspectors? The National Institute of Building Inspectors, the American Home Inspectors Training and the American Society of Home Inspectors are some of the most important associations. Ask for their membership ID if they are members of one of these associations.
What are you doing to keep your knowledge current? What training have you received? This will tell you how professional and serious the home inspector is. An inspector who is competent will keep up-to-date with their training.
Could I have the names and contact information for your three most recent references? This person is really being interviewed for a job. You should do your research before you trust them with such a big purchase.
Red Flags to Watch
It is your responsibility to be present during the inspection. This could be a sign that the inspector is not allowing you to be present. As they walk through your home, you should accompany them.
There’s a possibility that you will require home repairs. Ask your inspector to do repairs based upon the inspection. You might want to ask the
m if they are willing to do repairs based on the inspection. This could be seen as conflict of interest.
Know what your home inspection will and won’t cover
It is a good idea for you to know what your home inspection will or won’t cover before you do your home inspection. The American Society of Home Inspectors has the Standard of Practice and Code of Ethics available for you to read. These publications provide guidelines on what to expect from your home inspector.
A home inspection will cover most of the items that you would expect to see. Home inspectors don’t usually do a thorough inspection of the structure of the house. The following are some items you should include in your home inspection:
Heating central
Cooling systems
Visible insulation in attic
Electrical and plumbing systems
Roof
Walls
There are some features that your home inspection might not cover:
Warped floors
Permanent cigarette or pet odors
Septic tank systems
Landscape
You can easily become complacent when purchasing a new home. However, it is easy to get jaded. Make sure to inspect every square inch of the house for any issues that you might not be able or willing to live with. You never know what you might find.
Your home will likely need repairs or work. If you’re not careful, some of these repairs could cost you a lot. The most costly repairs are:
Problems with your foundation
Mold
All types of water damage
Problems with roofing
Faulty wiring
Controlling pests and insects
Assess the Cost of Inspection
A home inspection’s cost can vary. The cost of a home inspection can vary depending on factors such as the location and size of your home. You don’t have to choose the cheapest option. Buying a house is the biggest investment you will ever make. Although your inspection may cost you hundreds of dollars upfront, it can save you thousands in the long-term.
Ask for recommendations and do your research when looking for a home inspection company. You can make informed decisions by preparing and learning.
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