It’s not an overstatement to say that a home inspection can be the single biggest tool in your arsenal when the time comes to buy a home.
With a detailed list of the advantages and defects of a home, it’s easy to understand the value of the investment before you take the plunge—as long as you partner with the right person.
With the wrong home inspector, you’ll find yourself muddling through a mess of confusing details on mysterious defects. With the right one, you’ll feel confident that you’re making the right choice on a prospective property. But how do you know you’re working with a home inspector pro?
Whether you’re looking to hire or you’re in the middle of working with an inspector, here are a few signs you’ve partnered with the right person.
1. They Have a Solid Education
Once upon a time, inspectors simply needed to have a certain amount of hours in the field to get their license. Today, you can get that same license online. That fact can be a little unsettling if you’re looking to hire a home inspector, which is why it’s important to know more about your prospective contractor’s background.
Does the home inspector in question have any relevant certifications? Are they part of any professional associations? Do they pursue opportunities for ongoing education to keep up with industry standards?
While you may be able to learn the answers to these questions by doing a little online sleuthing, you’ll likely want to ask your inspector about these things when you have a chance.
2. They Have Extensive Experience
In addition to their education, of course, it’s important to learn a little more about their experience. Some of the most reputable inspectors have been in the business for years, meaning they know the ins and outs of the home inspection process and can provide great reports and feedback.
They’ll also have experience working with a wide range of residential systems, including the structural, plumbing, and electrical components of the average home. In an ideal world, they’ll have even worked on properties similar to yours in the past.
3. They’re Thorough
The last thing you want is an inspector who comes late and leaves early. For peace of mind, it’s best to find an inspector willing to put in the time to do an extensive search of the property, checking each area of the home for even the most minor issues.
This should also include making use of relevant tools and technology, like infrared inspection, moisture meters, carbon monoxide detectors, and more.
4. They Write Detailed Inspection Reports
It’s not enough to simply be thorough. A good home inspection service will offer a detailed write-up that’s easy for a layperson to understand. This doesn’t necessarily mean one overflowing with information, but it should cover all of the essential points.
The report should include any relevant photos, as well as a basic summary, in a format that makes for easy reading. In today’s world, it’s extra helpful if they include interactive web-based reports to aid understanding. They may also provide you with a little background info on how to read it, as necessary.
This may sound straightforward, but because the inspection report is your ultimate guide to understanding the ins and outs of the home, it’s important to partner with someone who writes a good one. If you’re still in the consideration phase before hiring an inspector, consider requesting a sample inspection report from each to be sure you understand them.
5. They’re Genuinely Helpful
Home inspection may be a business, but for the right home inspector, it’s a little more than that. Home inspectors can help prevent homeowners and prospective buyers to understand the hidden dangers lurking in their homes, preventing future health and safety issues—and the best home inspectors take their job seriously.
Look for candidates with a positive and confident attitude that helps you stay grounded, even during a messy or surprising inspection process. With a willingness to help, you’ll find it easier to work closely with this person as you work to find the right home.
6. They Communicate Well
In addition to providing clear communication in the messaging of their report, the right home inspector will do the same as they contact you as well. This means quick responses to questions via email, text, or call.
A good home inspector will also be able to break down issues or defects into understandable pieces. For example, if they’ve uncovered a serious plumbing problem with the home’s foundation, they should be able to explain the issue clearly and answer questions to ensure that you understand the situation in its entirety, including the extent and what the possible next steps could look like.
7. They Have a Great Reputation
If you’re looking for a home inspector who can offer peace of mind, there’s no better place to start than with their reputation.
Reliable home inspectors earn more frequent word-of-mouth referrals, meaning you might want to trust the names dropped by friends and colleagues. They’ll also earn online testimonials from satisfied clients, both on their site and on third-party sites like Google, Yelp, or Facebook. In addition, you can check their reputation with the BBB.
Last but not least, you should always feel free to ask for references for any candidates you’re considering. Talking to a past reference gives you the chance to ask any lingering questions and get a sense of what it might be like to partner with the inspector in question.
Hire a Home Inspector Pro
When it comes to determining the value of a property, it’s important to find someone who has not only the experience to identify problems but the ability to communicate those problems with ease. But finding a home inspector pro doesn’t need to be a chore, as long as you partner with the right person.
Working with Class Home Inspection means working with an inspector who goes the extra mile, applying keen attention to detail to every issue. Schedule your inspection today to see what a professional can do for you!