We realize that the decision to buy a house is often lengthy and complicated. Much of the guesswork lies in not knowing the general condition of a house. However, by arranging a home inspection, much of that guesswork disappears. Quite simply, the more informed a homebuyer becomes the more likely he or she will make a more educated purchasing decision. In this regard, it is easy to see the value of a home inspection.
Homebuyers don’t like surprises, especially when they come in the form of costly unforeseen repairs. Getting a quality home inspection exposes such surprises. However, the key word is "quality". Before hiring a home inspector make sure to:
Compare Services
Check Credentials
Define Scope of Inspection
COMPARE SERVICES
Make sure you work with a company employing a contract which specifies both what is offered and what limitations apply. Some ‘warranties’ offer little coverage. Read them carefully.
CHECK CREDENTIALS
Many people without specific home inspection credentials offer services. Likewise, credentials are not always what they seem. Engineering and architectural credentials alone do not prepare anyone to competently inspect homes communicate the findings. A helping attitude, good communication skills, and mature judgement must supplement technical competence. The industry’s most exhaustive training is available via TLC (Training Learning Certification, Inc.), which is the primary supplier of HomePro training materials, publications and products. HomePro training materials, coupled with The Homebook® reporting system helps ensure that clients get the highest quality service.
Inspectors go through properties with you explaining everything in detail, answering your questions, and making sure you understand things, including the visual limitations. Training and experience give inspectors insight about houses similar to yours, so they really know what to look for and can readily compare your house and its systems with other houses of similar age and construction.
Define Scope of Inspection
Knowing what areas of a house will and will not be inspected is important in choosing a quality home inspector. Below is a good list, though not exhaustive, of areas a quality home inspector will check.
Traverse roofs, attics, crawl spaces
Open electrical distribution panels
Check furnace heat exchangers and heat pump elements
Check for visual evidence of toxic substances
Operate installed appliances and equipment.
Report visual evidence of basement/crawl space water problems
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