How to Choose a Home Inspector: Everything You Need to Know

How to Choose a Home Inspector: Everything You Need to Know

Thinking of skipping a home inspection? Think again!

While a home inspection report in Texas may cost $400, it’s way cheaper than ignoring it and ending up paying over $4000 in repairs.

Home inspections are visual evaluations of a home from the foundation to the roof.

The building’s structural, mechanical, and safety concerns usually receive special consideration. The results of the house inspection are subsequently documented in detail for clients to read and easily comprehend.

If you are buying a new home or property, hiring an inspector is a no-brainer. Here’s a guide on how to choose a home inspector.

Get a Licensed Home Inspector

You can learn so much about your potential inspector by asking them about their credentials and certifications. Your inspector should be able to avail basic details like their license number and certificates with no hesitation.

You can verify this license number by entering it on the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) License Holder Search portal. The status should be “Active”. If it says anything else, that’s a red flag and you should reconsider working with the inspector. In the state of Texas, it is mandatory for home inspectors to be licensed in order to perform their duties.

Ensure Your Home Inspector Is Insured

Make sure the professional inspecting your home is insured and bonded. This is regardless of whether you are working with a large home inspection organization or a lone inspector.

A home inspector might be allowed to operate legally without insurance in your location. However, with uninsured inspectors, you might be held liable if they are hurt while performing the inspection in your home. There is always a risk associated with climbing into attics, exploring basements and other enclosed spaces.

Do Your Research on Potential Home Inspectors

Google is a good place to begin if you are new to the region or do not know any house inspectors around. Search for “home inspectors near me” online. You should be able to find trusted inspectors within your region.

Once you have narrowed down a handful, research further into their services. Ensure you are reading online reviews and utilizing sources such as the Texas Chamber of Commerce and International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI®). If possible, try to contact their previous clients and ask about their experiences.

Consult Your Real Estate Agent for a Referral

Asking your realtor is one of the best and easiest ways of finding a good home inspector. Most local realtors have extensive experience working with a range of home inspectors in their area. An excellent buyer’s agent who genuinely cares about their customers will have several home inspectors that they trust to evaluate your house.

Some real estate agents will go the extra mile to schedule the home inspection for you at your convenience. However, keep in mind that a home inspection is your financial responsibility and won’t be included in the agent’s closing costs. You may pay the home inspector beforehand or on the inspection date.

Know How Much You Should Pay

The average cost of an inspection ranges between $385 and $585. The cost varies depending on the size of your home and location. A good quote from an inspector should not only include the inspection costs but also the cost of additional services they may offer.

Learn What’s Covered in the Home Inspection and How Long It Takes

An ideal home inspection should be comprehensive covering every aspect of the house. You need a thorough examination of every aspect of the house while considering the home inspection costs.

Some of the main things that a home inspection checks include:

• Water supply system
• Electrical system
  
• Structural Integrity
• Heating and cooling systems
  
• Foundation and basement
• Roof and attic
• Evidence of grading problems or water infiltration.
• Pest Infestations
• Equipment and other general house elements
• Environmental problems such as lead paint, mold, radon, asbestos, and more

The majority of home inspections ought to be finished in 2 to 3 hours. The inspections will probably take longer when you’re acquiring a larger property or an old home. An inspector completing an inspection in a very short period may be questionable.

In addition to being thorough, a good home inspector should take the time to describe how serious a problem is. They ought to tell you if the issue they have identified is typical or something you should truly worry about.

Obtain a Copy of the Inspection Report

Don’t just take your inspector’s word for it. Obtain a home inspection report from them.

A home inspection report is simply the objective document that your home inspector gives you after they have evaluated your house. It includes all the information about the current home condition and issues with major systems. Your inspector should be able to show you a sample report beforehand so you know what to expect.

The report should come with colored photographs and be easy to interpret by everyone. It should also be cross-checked by both the selling and buying parties.

Having images on hand makes it so much simpler to communicate problems with the seller. This will come in handy, especially when trying to negotiate for a better deal.

Note that the home inspection report does not include quotes for repairs and replacements.

Inspect the Inspector: Choose a Home Inspector Who Cares About You

Buying property is probably one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make in your life. Use the tips above on how to choose a home inspector so you don’t end up paying more for your home because of unforeseen repairs.

If your options for home inspectors are still slim, you can never go wrong with Infinite Home Inspection. Our experienced and InterNACHI-certified home inspector will ensure you get the ultimate home inspection experience. Schedule an inspection today.