It’s no surprise that buying a new home is one of the most costly investments.
The average downpayment for a regular American home start at $59,880. Real estate ownership can cost you more than monthly mortgage payments.
Whether you’re moving or buying a house for the first time, you need to ensure good quality. Real estate fraud happens every year, and Americans lose thousands of cash. To ensure a secure real estate transaction, you need a home inspector.
Home inspections are essential before purchasing a house. In this article, we show you how to choose a building inspector. Consider the following factors when looking for a construction and building inspector.
Beware of Referrals from Real Estate Agents
A real estate agent’s job is to close a deal. A home inspector’s job is to identify issues and report them. Too many issues can result in a failed deal or a lower price.
When choosing a building inspector, beware of referrals from your real estate agent. An inspector hired by a real estate agent may feel obligated to turn a blind eye. If you want an objective and fair report, look for a building inspector elsewhere.
If you feel like you can trust your real estate agent, feel free to accept referrals. Your agent may know several home inspectors after some time in the business. A trustworthy agent will know an inspector who does a thorough job.
Consider looking for an inspector on your own if you only met your real estate agent. Some agents may be more concerned about their paychecks. Ensure that you can trust your real estate agent before accepting referrals.
Look for a Bonded and Insured Company
If you’re looking for a commercial building inspector, look for a trusted company. A good inspection company has insurance. Insurance should be one of the first things you look for in a company.
Finding an insured home inspector may depend on your area. However, if problems occur during the inspection, they may hold you liable. Some home inspection tasks carry some risks.
This includes wandering in crawl spaces, basements, and climbing in attics. Reliable home inspectors should carry insurance. If your inspector gets injured from rotten stairs, this will ensure that you won’t get sued.
Don’t work with an inspector who is not insured. If you’re looking for a reputable inspector, ask friends who have also purchased a home. You can also consult online communities like Patch or NextDoor.
Consider Credentials
Look for a building inspector with proper certification. Choose one with certification from ASHI or InterNACHI. ASHI certified inspectors follow a strict code of ethics.
ASHI stands for the American Society of Home Inspectors. An inspector who went through ASHI training went through many technical examinations. One needs to perform 250 professional inspections before they can get certified.
InterNACHI stands for The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. Like ASHI, InterNACHI follows a strict code. Inspectors must also complete 24 hours of education every year.
You can find good inspectors without these credentials. An inspector with any of these certifications can provide the best service.
Compare Home Inspection Reports
Reports may come in different formats, depending on your provider. A good company must be able to send a sample report. This allows you to confirm if the format works for you.
We recommend finding an inspector who can provide color photography. A picture can help you better understand any issues they find. Compare reports from various providers.
See which company provides the best detail in their observations. You may be able to discern if a potential inspector reports only generic information.
Pricing and Services
Inspectors without special credentials may charge from $300 to $1,000. The price may depend on their expertise, the home’s size and location, and the inspection scope. Some providers may offer free services like a drone.
Some may charge extra for added services or refer to an outside expert. Ensure that your provider does not charge you more for common tests. These include:
- Mold and leak stains
- Cracks in walls
- Leaks, drainage, and other plumbing issues
- Damp cavity
- Faulty windows
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Rusty framework
- The structural integrity of external structures like verandas and gates
- Roof integrity
- Low hanging trees, root travel, or tree rot
- Garden bed structure
Checking for a pest inspection may cost you extra. You may also need to hire a professional exterminator to deal with pests.
Are You Allowed On-Site
You are not required to follow a home inspector when you inspect a building. However, accompanying them may be in your best interest. They can provide you with valuable insight into the state of your potential home.
If you decide to buy the home, you can use advice from the inspector. A good provider will also explain general maintenance regarding major home components. You can also ask your real estate agent to accompany you in case of any issues.
An inexperienced building inspector may be hesitant about letting a client come on-site. Others may call you within the last 15 minutes to focus on their work but address any concerns.
Verify Their Services
Ensure that your company only provides inspections and not renovations or home repairs. Some companies that offer other services may have a conflict of interest. They may offer repair or renovation services even when you don’t need it.
Some companies may be able to separate their services. But if you want an objective opinion, find a company focused on inspections. You may call in a contractor if you’re interested in repairs and renovations after.
How to Choose a Good Building Inspector
A thorough inspection ensures that you’re buying the home you want. A home inspector can help point out issues that your real estate agent may have missed. If you’re looking for a building inspector, here’s how to find a good provider!
Why stop reading here when there’s more to discover about getting a new house? If you enjoyed this, check out our other real estate blog posts. We have more great content for you to discover!
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