Hiring a home inspector if you’re buying or selling luxury real estate is important. Real estate for sale like condos, homes and other properties can be great investments, but you need to know what you’re getting into before you buy. Here are questions you should ask the home inspector (don’t forget to interview more than one!) before you hire them. Remember, a home is the largest and most expensive decision you’ll ever make!
Are They Accredited, Licensed or a Member of a Trade Organization?
Anyone can say they’re a home inspector, but home inspections can only be performed by a licensed home inspector (licensed engineers and architects may also perform home inspections). You want a professional who can do a thorough investigation of the property to give you a total value assessment, much like a professional private investigator. If your prospective home inspector is a member of a trade organization that’s a wonderful sign that they have expertise in inspections. A member of an organization is more apt to keep up with new trends in inspections and problems that are current; most organizations also ask their members to adhere to strict codes of ethics (much like what separates a real estate agent from a realtor.
How Much Do They Cost?
How much a home inspection service costs shouldn’t be the major factor in who you hire. Many companies will lower their prices just so they can get new clients (they’re new to the area or new to home inspections for example) but this isn’t always a good thing. You want a licensed, experienced professional to conduct your home inspection. If you’re selling real estate you want to know what problems need to be fixed or could make the price of your property fall when discovered by prospective buyers.
Can You See a Sample Report?
Seeing a sample report is important; this will give you an idea of what your real estate home inspection report will look like. It should be at least 15-20 pages (some can go well over 50), feature photographs and comments and explanations that you can understand. The thoroughness of this report will give you an idea of what you can expect with your own.
How Thorough is the Report?
Being thorough is important for home inspections. Ask if they will be checking the roof with a ladder (very important, some roof problems can’t be determined from the ground). Ask if they’re opening all electric panels in the home and if they check for water entry, damage and leakage with a moisture meter. Do they provide energy efficiency or upgrade reports with the home inspection? Are they insured against errors and omissions and general liability? Do they perform radon testing, mold testing and lead paint testing? All of these things are important to ask before hiring.
While a home inspector is important, an expert member of the Goodale Miller team can help you sell or find your dream home. Don’t buy before you’re sure that it’s the right one for you!