Whether you are buying or selling a home at some point you will be dealing with a home inspector. Just like with any profession there are good home inspectors and then there are not so good home inspectors. Typically your real estate agent you are working with has some references for you to choose from. But just in case they don’t, or you want to know more about home inspection here are some of our suggestions to finding a great home inspector.
-First and foremost your inspector needs a license. Here in Wisconsin it is required you have a license to be a home inspector. Home inspectors must pass a national exam along with state tests about statues and rules. American Society of Home Inspectors is also another great reference. This is an association that home inspectors can join that has rules and a code of ethics for them to follow. Accountability is key in any profession.
-Once you have found some licensed inspectors, do your homework. Call around to different real estate agents in your area and ask for their references on home inspectors. Search out Angie’s List, or do a general internet search on the person or business. I am sure you will find something out there. If not, call the actual person or business and ask if they would be willing to give you some past client’s names as references.
-What does a home inspector charge? Fees vary from each individual home inspector. Some fees are based on square footage, some are based on time. It’s okay to ask this question when searching for an inspector. They might not be able to give you an exact quote, but a ball park estimate is better than nothing.
-Now that you have secured a home inspector and set up a date and time for him/her to come inspect your home, do some pre-inspecting first. Walk around and look, like really look at the nooks and crannies of your home. You won’t be able to fool a home inspector, but you might be able to save yourself some time and money by being efficient. Does that screw need tightened on your faucet, how about that dryer vent, does it need cleaned out? Some of these little fixes can save you time and hassle after the inspector comes through and makes a note of it all.
-Once the inspector comes through and does a thorough home inspection he/she will put together a final report. This report will include pictures they took of your home, suggestions for fixing things, and every single thing they found to be working well or that needs a licensed professional to fix. So your loose screw could come up, and a potential buyer may ask you to fix it, but if you tightened it before the inspection, you are already one step ahead.
Some people see home inspectors as deal killers. Truly, they aren’t. Home inspectors are trying to give you their complete honest opinion about the house you live in, or are looking to purchase. Their job is invaluable in your real estate transaction.
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