Have you found your dream home in Tulsa? Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you schedule a home inspection to avoid buying a money pit.
A new house can look almost perfect. A walkthrough might not reveal any significant structural issues or severe repair needs. However, what you can’t see below the surface can quickly lead to expensive problems after you close on a house and take over ownership.
How can home buyers avoid a new house that’s too good to be true? You need the right home inspector. Here are five tips for choosing one that fits your needs.
1. You Need a Neutral Inspection
Getting a home inspection done before buying a house is a smart decision. Your realtor or the seller’s agent could recommend an inspector. However, if you choose an inspector that’s more seller-friendly than buyer-friendly, you won’t receive an accurate report.
The right home inspection can have only one priority in mind: the truth about the property. The inspection must be thorough, accurate, and show no bias to hide problems that will help the current owners sell the home. You also need an honest report to decide if any issues should keep you from closing on the sale.
2. Check Their Qualifications
Anyone can say they “inspect” houses and show up with a ladder and tape measure. Before hiring a home inspector, research their qualifications and experience to give you a legitimate inspection report.
Reputable inspection teams are licensed professional engineers and certified home inspectors. They should also have positive reviews and liability insurance to boost their credibility.
3. They Must Be Available
Highly-rated home inspectors are in-demand! However, don’t let a busy inspector be an excuse to choose just “any” inspector who can show up to the home.
The best home inspection team shouldn’t be too busy to schedule a timely appointment when buying a home. Delays to the inspection can postpone your final contract negotiations and the closing date for your new house. Choose a qualified professional who can perform a thorough inspection sooner rather than later.
4. Confirm a Thorough Inspection
Does the inspector check everything? Spot checking a property isn’t thorough enough. Make sure your inspector takes a close look at everything inside and outside of the home, including pools and spas.
Neglecting any area of your potential new home could leave you with a problem waiting to happen or the need for a second inspection.
5. Consider the Price
Ask about the pricing for thorough home inspection services. A quality home review from a reputable inspector is a worthwhile investment, but don’t overpay for an inspection that doesn’t include every service you need.
The Right Home Inspector Helps You Buy Your Dream Home
Don’t let your dream home become a nightmare! The right home inspector helps you purchase a house that won’t fall apart the minute you move in.
Associated Engineers and Inspectors help protect Tulsa homebuyers from bad homes through our professional home inspection services. Before you finalize a contract, contact us to inspect the house.
