How To Choose the Right Home Inspector

Home inspections are incredibly important to buyers during the home purchase process, but how do you know who to hire? Not all home inspectors are created equal, and learning how to evaluate which inspector will be the best fit for your unique situation will allow you to choose the inspector that will be best for you.

“There are many factors to consider when choosing a home inspection company,” said Adam Long , president of HomeTeam Inspection Service . “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and consider any special circumstances that may impact what kind of expertise you need from your inspectors.”

Many buyers will begin to find inspectors through their real estate agents but home buyers should also read reviews and to learn from recent buyers about their experience with the inspection company their real estate professional recommended.

Credentials can also be a key indicator. While certification does not necessarily guarantee top-tier performance, it can provide peace of mind. Asking an inspector about their prior experience and education can be especially useful in ensuring they are well equipped to handle your specific scenario.

• Has this inspector primarily worked on apartments, townhomes, condominiums or standard homes in the past? Do they have expertise in what you’re looking to buy?

• Are you in an area prone to floods, storms or other sources of water damage? Does this inspector have experience focusing on water damage, mold, water resistance and insulation?

• Are you in a hot and dry climate? Does this inspector know what to look for in HVAC systems in these environments?

These facts should be enough to narrow the pool of prospective inspectors to just a few. From here, Long recommends asking the home inspection company a few standard questions. While practical experience is important, finding inspectors that you trust and can communicate with well is also necessary.

Asking the following questions will give you a better understanding of how the inspectors operate and whether you will feel comfortable working with them:

• Can you provide references?

• Can I tag along on the inspection?

• What does the inspection include?

• Will you send me a sample inspection report?

If an inspection company is insured, willing to provide references and able to provide a preview of what the final inspection report will look like, these details can be great trust builders with prospective buyers.