How to Pick a Good Home Inspector

Home inspectors serve an important role in the buying and selling processes. An inspector helps sellers improve their homes prior to the sale in order to get the best deal, and they assist potential buyers in assuring their next home is safe. A home inspector is about so much more than liability; they bring peace of mind and promote good business practices in real estate. Hiring a good home inspector can be done in several easy steps.

Check for Certifications

Look for a home inspector who is not only registered with the state but also boasts a variety of other certifications. A good home inspector will have their license number advertised on their website, and you will easily be able to research their name and fact-check any of their promoted qualifications.

Extensive education and training can equip the best home inspectors with a keen eye for details a less qualified inspector is likely to miss. If you are looking for a new construction home inspection Gainesville, VA, for example, it’s best to look for an inspector that is certified in new residential inspection.

Only Hire Inspectors That Do Exclusive Work

If a home inspection company also promotes home repair services or renovations, avoid them. While you may think this could be a good thing, these companies automatically have a bias toward finding fault with a property. A good inspector will be focused only on determining whether a home is structurally sound and safe for habitation; they will not try to sell or promote any type of restoration services. In fact, it makes the inspector’s job much easier if the home passes its inspection with flying colors!

Make sure that your inspector offers a full run-down of what they’ll be looking for. A home inspector should evaluate the following:

– Plumbing

– Electrical wiring

– HVAC system installation and functionality

– Roofing and attic

– Basement and foundation security

– General appliances

– Environmental risk factors such as air quality, radon, and mold

– Pest control

Ensure You Can Come Along for the Inspection

Good home inspectors don’t work in secret. Make sure that your inspector is transparent about their work; although you aren’t legally required to be present during the inspection, it’s best for you to tag along and learn more about the house. Aside from receiving first-hand reports about the condition of the home, your home inspector can also provide valuable insight into potential areas of concern that you may want to repair down the line.

Overall, a good home inspector is someone you can trust to give you the full story of a home’s condition. Rather than only emphasizing its strengths, reputable home inspectors give their clients all the inside details on a home’s inner-workings to ensure they not only buy or sell for what it’s worth but also avoid any safety hazards in the future.