Learn what a home inspector does and why choosing a good one is so important
For home buyers, gut reactions are important. This is why sellers are so careful to do everything in their power to create ample curb appeal that will make buyers fall in love at first sight and become emotionally attached to the property long before they consider the technicalities of purchasing.
However, when buying a home, you don’t want to rely on emotion alone. You need to consider many other factors, including the condition of the home. Having a qualified home inspector examine the property before you seal the deal is an inexpensive way to get accurate, detailed information about the home that could save you from unwittingly purchasing a property that is in need of major repairs.
What Does a Home Inspector Do?
In a general inspection, a home inspector goes over all the vital aspects of a home including the structure, exterior, roof, wiring, plumbing, insulation, ventilation, HVAC system, and more. They will provide the buyer with a report detailing any problems that are found. The buyer can then negotiate with the seller to either make repairs before the sale or reduce the price of the home to allow the buyer to complete repairs or improvements later.
Tips for Choosing a Home Inspector
- Check Experience. Doing a home inspection right takes experience and knowledge. Before you hire a home inspector, check on their background. Look for an established company and/or an individual with many years of experience. Ask about their formal training and any ongoing education they may be involved in.
- Ensure Accountability. Your home inspector should stand behind the quality of their work. They may carry Errors & Omissions insurance, which will cover you if they make a mistake in their inspection or report. They may also offer their own written guarantee that if a system they have cleared ends up failing within a certain period, they will pay a third party to repair it for you.
- Discuss Additional Services. The general home inspection covers many of the features you need information about, but not all of them. For example, if you need a septic system inspection, a mold inspection, a radon inspection, or a termite inspection, ask if the home inspector can handle these additional services. If so, you will have fewer appointments to keep track of and you may get a discount for bundling multiple services.
- Plan to Attend the Inspection. You will definitely want to make sure the home inspector is open to buyers tagging along on the inspection. Being present during the inspection can help you have a better understanding of the final written inspection report. It may also give you the opportunity to have the home inspector show you how to work various systems in the home.
Remember, as a home buyer you are making one of the biggest investments of your life. It is important to know what you are getting for your money. A home inspector is just one of the professionals you will need to help you do this. You will also need an experienced local real estate agent. The agents from Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties are ideally positioned to help you purchase the home of your dreams at a great price. Contact us today.