Important Things to Check Before Hiring a Home Inspector
That marvelous house you stumbled upon in a lovely suburban neighborhood could not be as perfect as you thought. A good home inspection is the best (or the only safe) way for people looking for new home to find about potential issues. But, not all licensed building inspectors thoroughly inspect and report on potential defects of a house. Therefore, you need to find the one that will most certainly help you decide whether the building you are considering to buy meets all your requirements. Here are several important things you need to check before hiring a home inspector.
Professional organization membership
Depending on the place you live, there are reputable professional inspection organizations which have certification and licensing procedures. As a member, building inspector is required to follow ethical and procedural standards when conducting house inspections. Although membership to one of these organizations cannot guarantee a house inspector is an expert, it’s better to rule out any home inspectors who are not members of some professional organization.
Background
The best building inspectors are commonly those who are experienced in the building industry. They know what’s inside the walls of your potential house and they understand the basics of local building requirements and codes. Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that a house inspector won’t be able to tell you every little detail about the home, for that you’ll need to hire a more specialized inspection by a licensed contractor, plumber or electrician. If, however, you are planning to purchase an older house, house inspector’s background is especially important, as house inspectors may need to look for problems that are uncommon in newer buildings. In other words, find a building inspector with a background in similar home inspections.
Experience
Although it’s sometimes even better to hire a rookie home inspector with a background in home repair and constructions, make sure your home inspector has undergone extensive training. Also, ask whether he’ll be assisted by a more experienced professional during the house inspection.
The Length of Building Inspection
Averagely, a house inspections takes few hours to perform. But, if you are buying a large home, an older or fixer-upper house, the building inspections should probably take longer. If house inspectors promise to finish their work within an hour, you’ll know they are not reliable and they cannot thoroughly conduct a house inspection in such a short time.
What will be Inspected
It’s not a job of a home inspector to inspect those irritable things that cannot be seen. For example, the building inspections usually don’t reveal any mold problems under the tiles or wiring problems hidden behind the wall. But, a house inspector has to evaluate every possible visible place in the building, including basement, attic and the roof. Building inspectors should also look at furnace, water heater, electrical box and similar things and, even though they might not be able to tell if your new home’s systems are up to local codes, professionals will have enough knowledge to inform you if the building is in the need of major system repair. If you wish, a home inspector will take you along on the house inspection if you want to join him.
Inspection Report
When it will be provided? Usually, home inspectors provide a report within 24 hours. Make sure the inspectors’ reporting style meets your lender’s requirements (as well as your own preferences). Ask to see a sample of the previous reports if you’re not sure.
Home Inspection Cost
Finally, you need to know about the house inspectors’ fees. If you are happy with everything above mentioned, ask about the cost to be sure you’re choosing the best home inspector for your new house.