Just recently I’ve had a couple clients go through the home inspection process, only to find out that the home that they were trying to purchase was a bit of a dud. Having your potential home inspected is a pivotal step in the home-buying process. No one wants to buy a dumper, and by having your home inspected you safe guard yourself from buying a lemon.
Seek referrals from your mortgage professional, real estate agent or friends to ensure that you have a creditable Home Inspector on your side. Make sure that it is his full-time job and they’re not doing this part-time, trying to make some extra cash, and that they specialize in the area you are buying. To ensure the job’s done right, make sure he’s on your side, and not biased.
What’s the purpose of a home inspection? It’s so someone with the knowledge of home building and repair can tell you everything you’ll need to know about what you’re purchasing and therefore you can make an informed decision.
Here are my 10 key questions to ask your home inspector before you’ve hired them, and to ensure the inspection will be done right:
- What qualifications and training do you have? Are you a member of a professional organization? What’s your background – construction, engineering, plumbing, etc?
- How many inspections have you personally completed?
- Can I see your license or professional credentials, and proof of insurance?
- When are you planning to do the inspection? (This will confirm that they don’t have a day job, and can only do them at night when it’s too dark to see all the nooks and crannies of the building.
- What kind of report do you complete? Do you take pictures of the house and add them to your report?
- May I have a list of references?
- Can you give me an idea of what kind of repairs the house may need? Watch out if they offer to fix the issues themselves, or want to recommend someone.
- How long it your inspection process? A good inspector will take 1.5 – 2 hours
- How many years’ experience do you have as a home inspector? Make sure that he or she gives you a specific number
- What kind of tools do you use during your inspection?
Please contact me with any questions you may have, or if you are looking for a trusted professional in your area. As always, I’m here to help.
D