The biggest gifts you can give yourself when looking for a new home are choosing a professional experienced real estate agent to represent you , getting pre-approved by a lender AND choosing the company that will perform your home inspection. Once you find your home, the pressure to find someone good right away can be overwhelming. Yes, many real estate agents and companies will provide you with a list, of Inspectors. Before you hire anyone, do your homework!
Save time and money by following the 8 tips below:
1. Research online how many positive reviews they have. In today's world, we search people online. if someone is unhappy they will let the world know about it. More importantly, how many great reviews are there from happy customers? Check out Google and Yelp for reviews.
2. Look at what they do differently from other companies. Many companies now offer guarantees on their inspection. If you do not like the results of the inspection, you can get your money back. The average cost of an inspection varies by state and many companies price based on the year built and square footage of the home they are inspecting. A home that is 3 years old will be quite different than a home that is over 50 years old. Does the company offer a warranty on the roof or the appliances? One company I work with offers a 5 year roof warranty and 90 day appliance warranty on all homes they inspect. Yes, top companies offer this which can be a big plus when choosing who to hire!
3. When will you receive your report? What does it look like? Ask to see an example so that you can understand it or have them go over it with you. Many inspectors bring a tablet with them, take photos and notes and you receive the results with the same day.
4. Can the company perform all the reporting and testing you may require? Every home and buyer have different needs. Does your Inspection company do roof inspections, mold inspections, termite inspections, formaldehye inspection, allergen tests for sensitive clients and many more......?
5. How many Inspectors work with the company? Have attended home inspections in small homes that took hours because there was only one inspector present. When their are multiple inspectors, present covering different parts of the home, the process can run much more quickly and smoothly.
6. During the Inspection, does the inspector allow you to follow and ask significant questions? (within reason as they need to focus). Does he encourage you to attend the Inspection? Then after the Inspection, is the Inspector or owner of the company available for any questions you may have? This is very important. Have seen companies do inspections and then you can never reach the inspector again. Get all promises in writing with a guarantee!
7. Find out what is included and not included in the type of inspection you purchase. Read what is not included first so you are aware.
8. How much do you charge? Of course, this is based on the type of inspection you choose. Often, you can find this information on their website.
Caution: You get what you pay so try not to let the lowest price sway you. A good inspector is worth the price. They can potentially save you thousands of dollars.
Also helpful are to obtain copies of their license and insurance and check online with the state to make sure all is up to date and their are no complaints on their record.
Remember, even brand new construction is not perfect. Things happen and most of them are fixable. A good home Inspector can be one of your greatest assets.
For more information on buying a home, you can reach me at janice@janicezaltman.com
Happy Home Buying!
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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