A home inspector provides an essential service to any buyer. Without this expertise, buyers leave themselves vulnerable and make extremely bad decisions that could cost them a lot of money. Bad home inspectors can lead buyers to buy homes they shouldn’t, while good home inspectors can save people from making costly mistakes. In order to ensure that you’re hiring a professional inspector who will provide accurate information on your new home, here are several steps you should take.
1. Know What You’re Looking For
Know what you’re looking for in a home inspector before you start looking for one. Make a list of basic things you want to find out about a house. Keep in mind that home inspectors are not necessarily appraisers, so if a house is in poor condition, the home inspector will probably not note it. Additionally, home inspectors are not necessarily experts on resale value, so if you want to know about the typical price of houses in a neighborhood, you may not be able to find that out from a home inspector.
2. Do Your Research
Never hire the first inspector you come across. There are plenty of good home inspectors out there, but there are also plenty of bad ones. You need to be sure that you are hiring the right one for you. Conducting thorough research will ensure that you are hiring the right home inspector.
3. Ask Around
When you’re interviewing potential home inspectors, ask for references, and then call those references. Talk to the homeowners who used the inspector and ask about their experience. You will be able to get a much better idea of what to expect from the process if you talk to people who have used the service before.
4. Request a List of Services
Even if you think the best home inspector in town has already been selected, it’s okay to request a list of services. While you probably don’t need a list of services, you may need a list of services that are not included in the price. Most reputable home inspectors will be happy to provide you with a list of services you can expect to receive and the price they cost.
5. Avoid Inspectors Who Refer Contractors
Ask potential home inspectors if they can refer you to a list of reliable contractors. If a home inspector is willing to refer you to plumbers, electricians, and other contractors, this is usually a red flag. Home inspectors are not trained to recommend contractors. They are trained to find problems with homes, so they can recommend that a professional take a look at the home. Home inspectors who refer contractors often recommend their friends and family, and they don’t necessarily know anything about contractors.
6. Ask About Certification
While certification is not required for home inspectors, it is highly recommended. If you’re hiring a home inspector, it’s better to choose one who is certified by the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI). This will ensure that your home inspector is reliable and qualified.
7. Request a Sample Report
A sample report is a great tool to help you determine what kind of inspection you will receive. It’s also an excellent way to find out how thorough the home inspector is. Request a sample report before you hire a home inspector, and ask the inspector to walk you through the report and explain everything.
Conclusion
There are plenty of good home inspectors out there, but there are also plenty of bad ones. You need to be sure that you are hiring the right one for you. A thorough research process will ensure that you are hiring the right home inspector to meet your needs.
Home inspections shouldn’t be taken for granted, especially if you’re going to invest a lot of money on a property. That’s why AEI Inspections is here to aid you in structural design, forensic structural engineering, and home inspections in Tulsa. Contact us today to hire one of our skilled inspectors!
