Are you getting ready to sell your home? Here are the questions you should ask when hiring a home inspector in your local area.
Over 646,000 houses were sold in June 2019 in the country. That’s a 4.5% year-over-year. With home sales going up, more home inspectors are popping up in the industry.
A home inspector will uncover any issues with your property that you’ll need to fix before making a sale.
How do you know how to choose a home inspector? Keep reading to discover the five questions you need to ask before hiring a home inspector.
With the answers to these questions, you’ll have the peace of mind you’re hiring the best in the business!
1. What’s Your Previous Experience?
First, you’ll want to find a home inspector with plenty of experience under their belt. After all, many of us learn from hands-on experience.
Before hiring a home inspector, ask how many homes they’ve inspected in the past.
A higher number will mean they’re focused on offering their services. It could also indicate that clients trust them enough to recommend the inspector to others. The inspector has probably learned from their experience over the years.
A low number, on the other hand, could indicate home inspections are only their side job.
Look for someone who specializes in providing these services.
2. What Certification Do You Have?
In order to learn how to choose a home inspector you trust, check their qualifications. Did they have previous work experience in the home construction or repair industry? Maybe they took an online course before becoming an inspector.
Some states don’t require inspectors to have a certification or license. Before hiring a home inspector, as if they do have certification.
That way, you know they’re professionally trained and prepared to complete the job.
3. Are You Insured and Bonded?
A home inspector that’s insured will have coverage in case of a mistake or accident. For example, an inspector might miss an issue that will cost you thousands of dollars in repairs. If the inspector doesn’t have error and omissions insurance, they’re held responsible for the mistake.
Make sure to look for an insured building and pest inspection company during your search.
4. Will You Provide a Full Report?
Ask the home inspector how long the inspection will take. Then, ask if they’ll provide a full report. What’s included?
You can ask a home inspector if you can see a sample home report. That way, you can determine if their reporting style is easy to follow.
On average, 98% of final sales prices matched the original asking price for a property. If you want to receive the most for your home, make sure to request a full report.
5. Can I Speak With References?
In addition to these questions for home inspections, you should also speak with the inspector’s previous clients.
Did they have any issues when working with the inspector? If so, how were they resolved? The more you learn, the more peace of mind you’ll have before hiring the inspector.
Inspect the Inspector: The 5 Questions to Ask When Hiring a Home Inspector
Looking to hiring a home inspector before selling your home? Make sure to ask these five questions, first. That way, you’ll know you’re making the best choice.
Searching for more tips? Explore the Architecture section today!
Leave a Reply