Here are some tips to help you hire a home inspector
It may not be as simple as you think. In residential real estate transactions, inspectors weren’t involved in the past. Buyers could only trust their own opinions about the property and the representations made by the sellers’ agents. This has all changed in the modern era. The majority of real estate contracts allow buyers to request professional inspections before signing the contract.
It is important to hire competent inspectors in order to get home inspections performed. It is difficult to find the right professional because almost anyone can set up a home inspection office with a flashlight and basic knowledge. Only one exception is that you will need to have the necessary skills to inspect the property or to do the remediation work on potentially dangerous materials like asbestos and lead-based paint.
A competent realty agent should be able to recommend several home inspectors who are highly skilled and qualified in order to avoid being scammed when hiring one. It is difficult to choose the right candidates from the recommended pool. These are six key factors to consider when making this decision.
Qualifications & Professional Skills
Ask open-ended questions about the experience and training of your home inspector when hiring one. An inspector should have some experience in building inspections and maintenance. The inspector must have extensive experience in home inspection. You may need an inspector who is qualified to work with asbestos, lead-based paint, and other potentially dangerous substances. This will depend on the age and location of your house. Professional experts, such as a structural engineer and a geologist, may be required.
Access the Inspector’s Scope of Knowledge
Ask the inspector to list all components that were included in the home inspection. Will the inspector inspect the swimming pool? What about the roof or other in-built appliances?
Read the Sample Report from Inspector
Ask your home inspector for a sample of any inspection reports or checklists. Check the contents of the report. Does it contain only checklists or a narrative description? Does the report present the information in a clear and coherent manner? Is there any indication that the report may indicate health hazards?
Request references
Referrals are important when you hire a home inspector. Ask the inspector for the contact information of homeowners who have used his or her services in the past. Ask these homeowners if they are satisfied with the service and the report received. Because some issues that inspectors miss can take longer to be discovered, it is worth speaking to those who have lived in the home for a while.
Learn More About Their Memberships
A majority of competent inspectors who have a good reputation might not be members of a national or state association. A national association is a good thing. These associations offer certification and training programs for their members, as well as up-to-date information about industry practices and inspection standards.
Enquire about the company’s policy regarding errors and omissions
Human nature is prone to errors and even experts in the home inspection may overlook certain problems or make mistakes that should have been noted. Ask about the company’s policies in these cases. Is there an insurance policy for errors and omissions? Is the company authorized to appoint an inspector to oversee and support the entire report?
These tips will help you sort through the candidates and increase your chances of hiring a professional home inspector San Antonio.
Lone Star Inspections
32882 Interstate 10 West Suite 203, Boerne, TX 78006
210-643-4588