Purchasing a home takes time. A thorough home inspection is critical and integral to the process. Remember, the home inspector is on your side. They’re independent from the transaction and thus provide an invaluable perspective not otherwise available.
According to a survey from the National Association of Realtors, more than 75% of purchasers purchase a home inspection, even if not required. But home inspectors aren’t all the same. We suggest you ask your realtor and at least one other source for a recommendation. Consult people who have recently purchased a home, other realtors, and online reviews. Inspectors who come recommended most likely earned that privilege for good reason. Also, don’t forget the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) offers an inspector search feature on their website.
But why pay for a home inspection if you aren’t going to receive a quality product? Below are important interview questions to pose to your home inspector before hiring.
What are your qualifications?
Be sure they have both experience and training. An experienced home inspector is great, but if they’ve never been taught what to look for, you may get an inspector that is experienced in providing a poor product. Have they gone through a third party training program? If so, which one? On-line or in person? Have they been a part of any apprentice programs? Where did they receive their license? Be sure you are comfortable your inspector has the experience and training to provide a rigorous analysis.
What items will the home inspection contain?
A thorough inspection will include the home’s foundation, basement and/or crawl space (if present), exterior coverings, windows, doors, visible framing, walls, ceilings, floors, interior finishes, attic, visible insulation, roof, heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical systems, and the same for any major outbuildings. Some inspectors will also offer additional testing for mold, radon, water analysis, and thermal imagery to determine heat and/or air loss.
How long will the home inspection take? When can you schedule us?
A home inspection typically takes around three hours. We suggest you be present while the inspection is completed. A good inspector will not mind, plus it gives them time to educate you on the home and its operation. People enjoy expounding upon their expertise and it is to your advantage to let them. Even if it takes several hours, but you gain one piece of insight to your home you would otherwise not have, it is worth it. A good inspector will be busy, but be sure they can get to your home on a timeline that works.
What will be the total cost?
The cost will vary based on the size of the home and its location. In general, $300 is an average rate for an average home. But take a large, old home in an urban area and you can expect to pay $1,000 or more.
Questions on home insurance? Contact your Bankers Insurance agent. We can insure town, country, farm, coastal, new, old, small, or large. Quotes are no obligation. We will help determine your risks and advise how to cover them. Not a client of ours? Let us earn your business! Our clients are assigned a personal insurance agent and provided their email address as well as a phone number that rings right on their desk.
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