A home inspection is a vital step when looking to purchase a new home. Home inspections help buyers stay informed on the internal and external workings of a home, ensuring the home is safe and there are no hidden issues. This is also why it’s important to know what to look for in a home inspector since safety should be a priority when looking for a new home.
Home inspections require both time and money, so you want to ensure your inspection is done properly. A key part of confirming your home inspection is well done and thoroughly completed is to choose the right home inspector for you. Here are 5 tips on how to choose a home inspector you feel good about:
1 – Ask For Recommendations
The best way to gain insight into an inspector is by listening to feedback from those who have worked with them previously. Ask family and friends for their personal experiences and recommendations regarding home inspectors.
This is a perfect way to get first-hand information from someone you know and trust, rather than solely relying on strangers’ opinions. Since you’re more familiar with the person, you’ll be able to ask more in-depth questions such as:
- Did you like your inspector?
- Was there anything you didn’t like about the inspection process?
- Would you recommend your inspector?
- Did your inspector seem knowledgeable?
- How much did your inspector cost? Was the price worth the value?
- Did your inspector miss anything important?
2 – Read Online Inspector Reviews
Online home inspector reviews are a great way to gain unfiltered and genuine feedback on inspectors in your surrounding areas. Although you may not be able to ask follow-up questions or receive the entire story behind a review, it helps to track common patterns and read others’ experiences. Looking at reviews is one of the quickest ways for how to choose a home inspector but also likely the least informative if you’re looking for extremely in-depth information.
3 – Ask Inspector Candidates Questions
Don’t be afraid to get to know your inspector! Asking common questions about their certifications, experience, and inspection process will help you gain insight into their qualifications. It’s also important to ask about pricing upfront and what services will be provided with your inspection.
This helps to ensure you and your inspector are on the same page, and no hidden surprises or fees will appear throughout your time working together. Some other good questions to ask your potential inspector are:
- Are you licensed?
- Are you bonded or insured?
- Are you a home inspector full-time?
- How long have you been performing home inspections?
- What is all included in your inspection services?
- What does your report include? Do you have a sample I could review?
4 – Ask For A Detailed Quote
Receiving a detailed, outlined, and organized quote from your inspector is extremely important. An ideal quote should contain how much your inspection will cost, which extra services they provide and their cost, and any additional fees or taxes. Detailed quotes allow for any questions and clarifications to be addressed to avoid confusion about the services you’re receiving.
5 – Compare Services To Pricing
Just because an inspector will market themselves as “best priced” or “affordable”, doesn’t mean it automatically makes them a top contender. Sometimes, the more you pay equates to the more you’ll receive.
If an inspector charges a high amount for their services but has phenomenal reviews and provides stellar inspections, that inspector will be worth the extra money. You’d rather have an inspection done well and thoroughly to ensure your future home is safe and clean rather than the other way around to save money.
Remember, it’s okay and even encouraged to be selective when learning how to choose a home inspector. Choosing the right home inspector could ultimately save you time, money, and from buying into the wrong home. If you’re in need of home inspection services, be sure to contact us today and see if Wall to Wall is the right fit for you.
