Here are some tips about home inspections that can help relieve some of the stress about buying or selling a home!
Before you make your final buying or selling decision, have the home inspected by a professional. An inspection can alert you to potential problems with a property and allow you to make an informed decision.
Ask these questions to prospective home inspectors:
1. Will your inspection meet recognized standards? Ask whether the inspection and the inspection report will meet all state requirements and comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics, like those used by the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors.You can view each group’s standards of practice and code of ethics online at www.ashi.org or www.nahi.org. (ASHI’s Web site also provides a database of state regulations.)
2. Do you belong to a professional home inspector association? There are many state and national associations for home inspectors, including the two groups mentioned in No. 1. Unfortunately, some groups give out questionable credentials or certifications for nothing more than a fee. Insist on finding a member of a reputable, nonprofit trade organization. Ask to see their membership ID.
3. How experienced are you? Ask how long inspectors have been in the profession and how many inspections they've done. They should be able to provide customer referrals on request. New inspectors also may be highly qualified, but they should describe their training and let you know whether they plan to work with a more experienced partner.
4. How do you keep your expertise up to date? An inspector's commitment to continuing their education is a good measure of their professionalism and service. Advanced knowledge is especially important in cases with older homes or homes that include unique elements that require additional or updated training.
5. Do you focus on residential inspection? Make sure the inspector has training and experience in home inspection, which is very different from inspecting commercial buildings or a construction site. If your clients are buying a unique property, such as a historic home, then ask whether the inspector has experience with that particular type of property.
6. Will you offer to do repairs or improvements? Some state laws and trade associations allow the inspector to provide repair work on problems they find during the inspection. However, other states and associations ban it as a conflict of interest. Contact your local ASHI chapter to learn about the rules in your state.
7. How long will the inspection take? On average, an inspector working alone inspects a typical single-family house in two to three hours; anything significantly less may not be thorough enough. If your customers are purchasing an especially large property, ask whether additional inspectors will be brought in.
8. What’s the cost? Costs can vary dramatically, depending on your region, the size and age of the house, and the scope of services. The national average for single-family homes is about $320, but customers with large homes can expect to pay more. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.
9. What type of inspection report do you provide? Ask to see samples to know whether you will understand the inspector's reporting style. Also, most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection.
10. Will I be able to attend the inspection? The answer should be yes. A home inspection is a valuable educational opportunity for the buyer. An inspector refusing to allow the buyer to attend should raise a red flag. Please let me know if there are any questions that you may have or if there is anything I can assist you with in buying or selling your home. Have an excellent day!
Utah Dave - Daybreak Neighboorhood Expert and Local Resident