While home inspections might not be the most thrilling part of your home-buying journey, they are crucial and can save you significant money and hassle down the road.
In a competitive housing market, you may feel pressured to make an offer quickly, sometimes without conditions. However, regardless of the market dynamics, never forgo essential buyer protections like a home inspection.
You might have a great sense of décor and love the layout of your potential new home, but it’s often what’s hidden beneath the surface that can lead to future headaches. We’ve all heard the saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover”—why would you make one of the biggest purchases of your life without thoroughly checking it out?
Here are some important questions to ask your home inspector to ensure you receive a comprehensive and thorough inspection:
- Can I see your license, professional credentials, and proof of insurance?
- How many years of experience do you have as a home inspector?
- Make sure they specify their experience in home inspection, not just in a single trade.
- How many inspections have you personally completed?
- What qualifications and training do you have? Are you a member of a professional organization? What’s your background—construction, engineering, plumbing, etc.?
- Can I see some references?
- Don’t just ask for references; follow up with them. Inquire how they felt about the inspection and whether any issues arose later that they weren’t informed about.
- What kind of report do you provide? Do you include photos of the house and any specific problem areas in your report?
- What tools do you use during your inspection?
- Can you give me an idea of what repairs the house may need?
- Be cautious if they offer to fix issues themselves or recommend someone inexpensive; you should never cut corners on renovations and repairs.
- When do you typically conduct inspections?
- Ideally, you want a full-time inspector who can assess the house during daylight hours, especially for roof inspections.
- How long do your inspections usually take?
Although hiring a home inspector may seem daunting, it will be one of the best investments you ever make. After all, there’s no price on peace of mind!
