Professional home inspections well worth cost
Weather in the Inland Northwest can be tough on homes. Since buying a home is probably the single largest investment most people will ever make, the $200 to $500 expense of a professional home inspection could be well worth the cost to have an expert assess any damage that may have been caused by varied weather and moisture.
It’s important to know as much as you can about the home you are about to purchase, and the best way to ensure that you receive competent information is to hire the services of a professional home inspector. Consumers need to know the expense of possible necessary major repairs prior to commitment, thus professional home inspection services are growing in popularity.
So, how do you find a qualified home inspector? Carefully. Begin by asking the real estate professional who is guiding the sales transaction to provide you with a list of recommended inspectors. Then, ask the following questions before making your final selection:
1. Does the inspector belong to a local inspection association or any other professional inspection group? Most national professional inspection organizations have guidelines which members must follow.
2. How long has the inspector been in business as a home inspector?
3. Is the inspector specifically experienced in residential construction? An inspector needs the knowledge and insight gained from actual home inspection experience to be able to spot and interpret signs of age, damage, faulty or unsafe mechanical operation.
4. Is the company free of any repair or real estate connections that might cause a conflict of interest? Avoid inspectors who use the inspection to solicit repair work for themselves or any particular contractor.
5. How long will the inspection take? The average time is 1- 1/2 to 2- 1/2 hours. Anything less is generally not enough time to do a thorough inspection.
6. What will the inspection include? Get specifics. The inspection should include the electrical, heating and central air conditioning systems; interior plumbing; visible insulation; roof; walls; ceilings; floors; windows; doors; foundation; basement; and the visible structure of the house.
7. How much will it cost? It can range from $200 to $500.
8. Does the inspector supply a written report? He or she should, and the report should not only detail the present condition of the house, but also what the condition of the house is likely to be in a few years.
9. Does the inspector encourage the client to attend the inspection? The home inspection is an important opportunity for buyers to get an education about their new home and to have their questions answered immediately. The information will be of great help after you’ve moved in. Qualified inspectors often offer maintenance tips to extend the life of the house and its major systems.
10. Does the inspector participate in continuing education programs to keep his or her expertise up to date? He or she should always be learning about the ways in which a home’s components and systems affect each other and how they stand the test of time.
Home inspections can eliminate some of the buyer’s anxiety regarding the true condition of their new home and make the transaction a happier experience by removing any doubts.
As they say, knowledge is power.