How To Find A Good Home Inspector

Your offer has been accepted, but with the condition of a home inspection. Having a home inspection done is a smart move, and it's important to pick an experienced home inspector to do the job. In essence, they'll be in charge of spotting any major issues with your potential new home before you sign off once and for all and get the keys in hand. It's important to answer then, "how do you find a good home inspector?"

Ask for Opinions

If you know someone who is a builder or even someone who's purchased a Chatham-Kent home before, as for their opinion on Chatham-Kent home inspectors. If they're had no issues with their home, or their inspector spotted potential problems, those are signs that their inspector did a good job. As well, you will want to ask any potential inspectors for references from customers of homes that they have inspected in the past. You may also ask your Chatham-Kent real estate agent for recommendations, as they should be able to give you the name of at least two or three inspectors they've worked with in the past. Before selecting an inspector, you will want to find out what kind of licensing they have, as well as what sort of inspection is needed on your new property (structural inspections may require you work with an inspector who's specifically licensed in that area).

Find Out What is Included in the Inspection

First, you need to know what is typically included in a home inspection. Chatham-Kent home inspectors won't dig into soil or open walls, but they will however examine your heating and central air conditioning systems, interior plumbing, visible electrical systems, the roof, the attic, visible insulation, walls, ceilings, floors, windows, foundations, and basements. You may also want your home inspector to examine appliances and outdoor plumbing. Once their task, which typically takes around 3 hours to complete is done, your Chatham-Kent home inspector should provide you with a written report that will inform you of any problems with the home. If you find that there are major issues outlined in the inspector's notes, then you will need to negotiate how the seller will compensate you for these problems.

Ask Questions

Just as when you're selecting a Chatham-Kent real estate agent, it's equally important to ask questions when you're hiring a Chatham-Kent home inspector. Don't be afraid to ask things such as:

  • What will the inspection covers?
  • Is the home inspector has specific experience performing residential inspections?
  • Does the inspector’s company offers to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection, and how much will these cost?
  • Will the inspector prepare a written report?
  • Does the inspector encourage the client to attend the inspection?
  • How long will the inspection take?

Asking questions before you hire your home inspector is a good way to avoid major issues.

Check Their Credentials

Don't just ask if they have credentials, ask to see you Chatham-Kent home inspectors' credentials. Most inspectors are required to have completed 250 paid professional home inspections prior to becoming certified. You may also want to know where your home inspector was trained, if they attend continuing education classes, or if they belong to a professional organization.

On Inspection Day

Always be there for the day of your inspection. It's typically in your real estate contract that you have the ability to walk away from a home after the inspection, but you need to be there to see all of the minor and potentially major defects and issues of the home. It's the only way to make an educated and informed decision. Be there, ask questions, and see firsthand what your home is really hiding.

If you follow these helpful hints when selecting a home inspector, you are sure to find one that will do a great job inspecting your future home. For more information about selecting a Chatham-Kent home inspector, feel free to Contact Me or call 519-360-0141.