So you’ve decided to buy or sell your home. You’ve made a great decision to have the home inspected. Now you have the task of finding the best home inspector. With so many inspectors out there, how do you choose the right one? Here are some tips to help you really find the best home inspector near you!
- Ask for Recommendations
Friends and Family
Start by asking friends, family, and colleagues who have recently sold or purchased homes. Their experiences can provide valuable insights into which inspectors to consider and which to avoid.
Real Estate Agents
Real estate agents often have a list of trusted inspectors they’ve worked with in the past. While it’s essential to get multiple opinions, your agent’s recommendations can be a great starting point. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The cheapest inspector is often not the best! Balancing cost and value can be tricky, talk to your agent about what is most important to you. Cost? Quality? Availability? Communication? Extra services, such as sewer camera inspections or air quality testing?
Once you have some recommendations, check out their website, does it appear professional? Look for information about services and pricing. Often, the cheapest inspectors aren’t looking out for the client’s best interest, or they may not be experienced enough to do a thorough inspection. The cheap home inspection often leaves many problems not addressed. - Check Online Reviews and Ratings
This is one of the most valuable steps in finding the best home inspector. Look for inspectors with consistently high ratings and read through the reviews to understand their strengths and areas of expertise. Bad reviews or a lack of reviews can indicate a lack of experience or customer satisfaction. - Verify Credentials and Experience
Licensing and Certification
Ensure the inspector is licensed and certified by relevant state and national bodies. Certification from organizations like InterNACHI, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, indicates the inspector has undergone extensive training and adheres to high moral and technical standards. Be sure to look for other certifications as well, in areas of concern, such as deck construction, electrical inspections, and indoor air quality certifications.
Some states require special licensing for inspecting for structural wood destroying insects like termites and carpenter ants.
Make sure your home inspector of choice is licensed and insured to work in your state.
Experience
An experienced inspector is more likely to spot potential issues. Ask how many inspections they have performed and if they have experience with the type of property you’re buying. - Ask About Extra Services
Some inspectors offer additional services like sewer camera inspections, termite inspections, mold or air quality inspections. If these are concerns for you, find out if they offer these services. - Review Sample Reports
Report Quality
Ask potential inspectors for sample reports or look on their website. A good report should be detailed, easy to understand, and include photos or videos. It should cover all major components of the home and provide clear recommendations for any issues found.
Turnaround Time
Inquire about how quickly they provide the report after the inspection. A timely report is crucial, especially if you’re on a tight timeline for your home purchase. Most home inspectors can guarantee a report within 24 hours of the inspection. - Compare Costs and Ask About Availability
Price vs. Value
While cost shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision, it’s essential to understand what you’re paying for. The cheapest option likely won’t provide the most thorough inspection. Sometimes the cheapest inspection can leave you with a false sense of security and lead to very costly repairs down the road. Weigh all of the variables and use the inspector that will provide the most value and comfort for your needs.
Availability
Ask your real estate professional how long you have to respond after the inspection. Ensure the inspector can perform the inspection and deliver your report within your desired timeframe. A good home inspection company may be busy and not always able to schedule the next day. It’s important to try and plan ahead and find what works.
Finding the best home inspector near you requires a bit of research and diligence, but the effort is well worth it. A thorough inspection can save you from unexpected costs and ensure that you’re making a sound investment or help to sell your home more quickly with less surprises. By following these tips, you can confidently find a qualified, reliable home inspector who will provide the detailed information you need to make an informed decision about buying or selling your home.
