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You’ve found the perfect house and have just made an offer. You now have to book a home inspection. Where can you find trustworthy inspectors in your local area that will provide you with the security and peace of mind you seek?
Although a home inspection is not mandatory for all home buyers, some do so at their own discretion. However, it’s almost impossible to skip the home inspection. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound cure, as they say.
This post will cover some important information before you get your home inspection. We’ll also discuss how to find a qualified Home inspector in St. Augustine FL and tips for agents who assist clients with their home inspection.
Here are some things to consider before you hire a home inspector
It doesn’t matter if you are a first-time home buyer or a seller, it is important to understand how home inspections fit into real estate transactions.
Let’s look at why it is important to hire a competent inspector and how we can prepare for inspection.
Why would you want to hire a home inspector
Although it might seem odd to spend a few hundred dollars on home inspections in addition to all other costs associated with buying a home, this will be a small price to pay compared to the cost of costly home repairs later on.
Even though a home may appear to be in great shape, it could have serious problems like termite damage or foundation instability. You won’t know if the house you are about to purchase will need costly repairs without a home inspection.
You will also want to ensure that your new home is safe. Many dangerous issues are often discovered during a home inspection, including:
- Radon is an odorless, colorless gas which is the second leading cause for lung cancer after smoking
- Mold even though it appears innocuous, it can worsen asthma and allergies
- Old electrical system:pre-1960s electric systems may not be up to code. They could pose a fire hazard and are very expensive to replace.
A home inspection can help you feel confident in the structure of the house you are about to buy. If it has serious issues, you have one last chance to reject the deal.
A quality home inspection can also give you leverage in negotiations. Detecting a potential costly issue can help you negotiate with sellers.
What qualifications are required to become a home inspector
Home inspectors are not required to be certified in every case.
Each state in the United States has its own requirements. Not all states require home inspectors be licensed. There are different education and experience requirements for each state. Some states also require ongoing education after being licensed.
Some states require at least 100 hours training, like New York or Texas. Illinois or Virginia both require hands-on experience in the field. Home inspectors do not need to be licensed in Wyoming or California.
Many home inspectors choose to register with a nationally-recognized association, like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). These professional associations have their own requirements for credentialing, such as passing the National Home Inspector Examination or the Online Inspector Examination and demonstrating the necessary amount of hands-on practice.
Home inspectors must be able to meet all state requirements and maintain their certification by being covered with the appropriate insurance. Most home inspectors are covered by General Liability, Errors and Omissions insurance. This protects them from any accident or omission.
To enhance their services, some inspectors may also be certified in other specialties. This could include:
- Mold
- Radon
- Asbestos and lead
- Termite damage
- Spa and pool
- System for septic
- Carbon monoxide
How can you prepare for a home inspector?
To avoid being blindsided, a seller might request a pre-listing inspection.
Preparing your home for inspection means that you ensure your house is clean, and all areas needing to be inspected are accessible. This includes basements, attics, utility cabinets, under sinks, basements and furnace rooms. You can also spot-check your home to find small issues that you can fix before the inspector arrives.
- Check that your toilets work properly, and that your drains are clear of obstructions in your sinks and bathtubs.
- Repair small items like broken cabinet hinges and door knobs and broken window locks.
- To ensure that ceiling fans and light switches work properly, test them.
- All pilot lights, including those in a gas fireplace, must be turned on.
- Label your fuse box correctly
- Replace or clean the furnace’s return filter.
- Make sure to clean your stove and oven.
- Replace the batteries in your smoke detectors.
- Pest problems can be addressed; exterminate them.
Clear out clutter from your exterior, including around windows or doors. If possible, clean your roof and gutters. Also make sure that your downspouts have the correct position. You might consider fixing any damage to your roof before the inspection.
You can make arrangements to be present at a home inspection if you are a buyer. You should flag any inspectors who don’t want you there at the end. These are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for inspection.
- Measurement by tape:this is the last time you will be in your house before move-in. This is an excellent opportunity to measure any last minute details.
- Notebook: Bring any questions and any comments you may have during the inspection.
- You should wear appropriate clothing for the outside as a large portion of the inspection will take place outdoors. The inspector will inspect the foundation, siding, windows and other outdoor issues.
How can you find the best home inspectors in your local area?
There are many options to find a local home inspector. Asking your family and friends if they know of a great home inspector is a great place to start.
To find local inspectors’ reviews, you can also consult crowd-sourced directories such as Yelp and sites dedicated to home services such as Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor. You might find some reviews or recommendations on local message boards such as Nextdoor.
The Home Inspector Tool is a great resource to find high-quality home inspectors in your local area.
You can check with national organizations such as ASHI and InterNACHI to make sure you are choosing an expert. While not all states require home inspections to be licensed in every state, many state organizations have a list of inspectors. The website of each group will include information about the local inspectors, their experience and professional certifications.
After you have settled on an inspector you should do additional research to find reviews and complaints. To find out more information about the inspector you are interested in, check out the Better Business Bureau chapter.
Evaluate home inspectors in your locality
Comparing their home inspection reports is a great way to find the right home inspector.
Ask your list of finalists to send you a sample report from a home they have inspected. This report should tell you how hard they work, how organized, and how thorough they will be inspecting the property.
Keep in mind the experience of others. A person who has seen many homes similar to yours will be familiar with what to look for, and they will also have experience with many potential problems.
If the house has more problems than it is old, an inspector’s experience can be especially valuable. You might also consider hiring an inspector who has an engineer’s license.
Ask the potential inspector about what services are included in their price quote. Many home inspectors will charge between $300 and $600 depending on the size and location of the property and the services provided. Ask questions like:
- Is the inspector using an infrared camera for checking for ceiling or wall damage and leaks?
- Are they using a drone to inspect the roof’s condition?
- Are they allowed to climb on top of the roof?
- Are they able to provide specialized services such as radon testing?
It’s helpful to know how long the inspector’s process is and how much bang for your buck.
How real estate agents can help clients select a home inspector
Agents often play an important role in the home inspection choices of their clients. As a REALTOR(r), it is important that you understand the reasons why your client makes this decision and how you can help them to make the right choice.
Why should you help your client select a home inspector?
Although it may seem like there is a conflict of interests (and some clients prefer to pick the inspector), you want your client to have a thorough inspection of their property.
It’s not in your clients’ best interests to keep them informed about major issues with the property they are purchasing. If those problems arise, your client will be unhappy with their purchase.
A real estate agent should never have a unhappy customer.
Your priority as an agent should be to ensure that your clients get a home they love long-term. If you are a seller’s agent, it is important to give honest feedback about the home of your clients so they can prepare for negotiations with potential buyers.
A quality inspection can be a valuable tool for your clients, whether they are buying or selling. Therefore, you should get involved in the selection process of a home inspector.
You’ll be able to speak with many inspectors and know what to look out for as a professional in this field. Your clients will benefit from your relationships with quality inspectors and who you can recommend.
How can you help your client locate a home inspector?
A real estate agent is a great resource to help clients find other professionals in the field. It’s normal to have relationships with other professionals in the area, such as inspectors, appraisers and plumbers.
Most likely, your client will ask you for advice about finding a reliable home inspection company. Before you can help your client make a decision, it is important to understand their needs. Do they have specific concerns, such as radon testing? Are they looking for extra-communicative assistance from an inspector who can explain their work in detail?
Here are some characteristics to look out for when you’re looking at a new home inspector:
- They are open to communication. They respond quickly to messages and can communicate easily with clients.
- The inspection company is insured, bonded and licensed.
- Positive reviews and referrals are common.
- They are familiar with the types of properties that need to be inspected.
- These permits you and your client both to be present during the inspection.
- The sample home inspection report they have provided is detailed and easy to read.
It’s also important to know if the home inspector may have conflicts of interest. Are they connected to other professionals in the industry, such as contractors or real estate brokers? Financial ties to other interests could cause bias.
The choice of a home inspector is a matter for expertise
It is important to consider the home inspection as a crucial step in any home-buying process. You should hire a qualified, experienced home inspector with all necessary certifications, a good reputation in the area, and detailed inspection reports.
A professional and trustworthy inspector will give you all the information you need so you can feel secure that you won’t be surprised by any unexpected costs after you move into the house of your dreams. Locate a qualified inspector in your local area.
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