If you’re in the market for a new home, it’s important when hiring a home inspector to find a qualified, professional, licensed home inspector. But how do you find a good, qualified home inspector?
Here are three ways to help you hire the right person for the job:
1. Ask for referrals from family and friends. If someone you know has recently purchased a home, they may be able to recommend a good home inspector.
2. Check with your real estate agent. Your agent should have a list of reputable inspectors that they can recommend.
3. Do your own research. You can use sites like google, InterNACHI, and yahoo to read reviews of local home inspectors.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the 3 ways to find a Home Inspector
#1: Family and Friends
When you’re ready to hire a home inspector, start by asking for recommendations from friends or family who have recently bought a home. They may be able to put you in touch with a qualified inspector who did a great job for them.
If you don’t know anyone who has recently bought a home, try reaching out to friends of friends or other acquaintances. People you work with can also be a great help. They may have a friend or a family member who has recently purchased a home and knows a good home inspector.
Social Media
Use your social media connections to find a home inspector. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn are all great places to start. You can post a question on your timeline or in a relevant group, asking if anyone knows of a good home inspector in your area.
You may be surprised at how many people are willing to help you out with a referral.
#2: Your Real Estate Agent (Realtor)
If you’re working with a real estate agent, they should be able to give you a list of qualified home inspectors in your area. In fact, many agents have a preferred list of inspectors that they recommend to their clients.
If you’re not working with an agent, you can still ask them for a referral. Most agents are happy to help out, even if you’re not working with them directly.
It’s important to note that while your agent may be able to give you a list of qualified inspectors, they cannot tell you who to hire. That decision is ultimately up to you.
#3: Do Your Own Research
If you don’t have any luck with referrals, you can always do your own research to find a home inspector. Start by doing a simple Google search for “home inspectors in (your city).”
You should be able to find a list of several inspectors in your area. Once you have a list of potential candidates, take some time to read reviews and learn more about their business.
Chances are if an inspector has all 5-star reviews, they’re either new to the business or they’re not being completely honest. Most inspectors will have at least a few 3- or 4-star reviews.
While you’re reading reviews, pay attention to any patterns or common complaints. For example, if several reviewers mention that the inspector was late to the appointment, that’s something you’ll want to take into consideration. Also read all the responses from the inspector.
Check their credentials
In order to be a licensed home inspector in most states and provinces, a home inspector needs to complete a certain amount of training and pass an exam. You can check an inspector’s credentials by visiting their website or contacting their state/provincial licensing board.
Summary
Hiring a home inspector is a crucial step in the home-buying process. By taking the time to find a qualified inspector and schedule an inspection, you can avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.
When you’re hiring a home inspector, be sure to ask about their qualifications and experience. You should also ask for references from past clients.
Be sure to interview a few different inspectors before making your final decision. Ask each one about their experience, qualifications, and fees. Also, be sure to ask if they offer any warranties or guarantees with their services.
When you’ve found a qualified inspector, schedule an inspection appointment. The inspection itself will take a few hours, during which the inspector will carefully examine the property.
They will look for any signs of damage or wear and tear and will take note of any potential problems. After the inspection, the inspector will provide you with a written report detailing their findings.
Be sure to review the report carefully and ask the inspector any questions that you have. If there are any major problems with the property, you may be able to negotiate a lower purchase price. In any case, it’s important to be aware of any potential issues before you buy a home.
Learn More
Click here to learn more about the entire home inspection process.
