My New Blog

The reason a prospective home buyer needs a home inspection is to tell the buyer what the current condition of the home is. The purchase contract the buyer and seller signed is dependent on the result of the home inspection. A buyer will generally have the option based upon the inspection to; walk away from the sale, require that repairs be made or receive a credit towards repairs or negotiate an adjustment in the purchase price.

It seems obvious that the importance of a good, thorough home inspection by an experienced home inspector is required. Unfortunately, many home buyers do not satisfactorily delve into the profession before hiring an inspector. The majority of people simply ask the price of the home inspection and accessibility of the home inspector when calling to engage an inspector. This has proved to be a very meager technique in which to choose a home inspector. When buying a car or furniture do most people simply go to the car lot or store and buy the cheapest priced quickest available product? If you use this method you will most likely end up with a product that you soon find to be inadequate and unsatisfying.

Hiring an experienced expert home inspector is no different. As mentioned, a low priced, rapidly accessible inspector often means the same thing; poor quality. So what should a home buyer be looking for in a home inspector?

Training: Has the inspector had formal training from a recognized training institution?

Experience: Years of experience are not as important as the total number of home inspections preformed. Many home inspectors are working at other jobs or are semi-retired individuals. Always ask how many inspections the inspector completes a year, less than 200 a year is a red flag. It is still very important to ask total years of experience and total number of homes inspected

Licensing: Most states require home inspector licensing while others do not. In states that do require licensing ask for the inspectors’ license number and make note of it. This includes any letter type distinctions in front or in back of the number. This will tell you if he is a licensed home inspector or a trainee.

Insurance: Does the home inspector carry Errors & Omissions and or liability insurance and have him provide proof of insurance and call the insurance company to verify. Some states require insurance while others do not. Inquire as to the state insurance requirements and be sure the inspectors has the proper type and amount.