How to Find and Pick Inspectors For Houses

What is a Home Inspector?

Are you looking to find an outstanding home inspector? Choosing a home inspector is part of the home-buying process, which can significantly impact your satisfaction with your future home.

For a potential home buyer, it is an investment that cannot be understated,

A home inspector is a professional engaged in performing the service of assessing a property’s condition. It can be a pre-sale inspection for a seller or, more commonly, for a buyer with a property under contract.

Inspected houses provide one of the best ways to have peace of mind with your purchase.

Inspectors for homes should inspect every visible inch of a property inside and out. The inspection should cover everything about the property from top to bottom.

Particular attention should be paid to the property’s structural, mechanical, and safety aspects.

The home inspector’s findings should then be transferred into writing for clients to view clearly and understandably. This document will be known as the home inspection report.

It is customary for home inspectors to share the document with their clients and their real estate agents.

An Inspector For Homes Should be a Licensed and Insured Professional.

A professional home inspector will tell you what you need to know about the home you want to purchase. A good inspector will spot potential problems vital to making an informed purchase, one you will be happy with over the long term.

Choosing a home inspector becomes paramount, especially for first-time buyers. For sellers, inspected houses give homebuyers knowledge and confidence they are making an excellent purchase decision.

You only need to quickly search for home inspectors in your area to find numerous options, but as with so many professions, some inspectors are better than others.

From years of experience selling real estate, the inspector you choose can have serious consequences. Hiring professionals is highly recommended. Many homebuyers make mistakes such as picking the cheapest inspector they can find. You want the evaluation to be as thorough as possible.

Don’t sweat an extra $100 when it could mean finding items such as damage, signs of moisture, or other details that will only be uncovered with a comprehensive assessment.

Noteworthy Facts and Statistics

10 Tips For Choosing A Reliable Home Inspector

Use these standards and expectations to make the best choice possible.

1. Use Google to Search For Inspectors For Homes

If you are new to an area or don’t know any home inspectors, the first place you may want to start is Google. You can search online using home inspector near me or home inspectors near me. Using these search terms, you should get results showing inspectors for homes in your area.

Now, the hard part begins. You will have to start doing a bit of research on the home inspectors you have found. Make sure you look up reviews and any references you find. It also makes sense to do another search on the company to ensure nothing harmful is posted online.

Using Google to find a home inspector is a good start, but there are other methods you should fall back on if they are available to you.

2. Get a Reference From Your Real Estate Agent

One of the best resources for picking a home inspector should be your Realtor. Do you know your real estate agent well and trust them? Do you feel they have your best interests at heart and are not more concerned about their pocketbook?

If you can confidently answer these two questions in the affirmative, then there is no reason not to trust your Realtors’ advice on who to select as a house inspector.

If your agent has been in business for any length of time, they have probably encountered quite a few inspectors for homes. By observation, your agent can see who does a thorough job and who does not.

An exceptional buyer’s agent who wants the best for their client will have a couple of property inspectors they know to go through a home with a fine-tooth comb. A trustworthy agent will not worry about whether choosing the “tough inspector” will cause the sale to fall apart.

You may consider finding your inspector if you just met your real estate agent and don’t know them well. Like every other business, the real estate industry has good and bad apples. Some real estate agents will “steer” their clients to a hand-picked list of home inspectors who are less observant than others when finding problems.

Avoid Inspectors For Houses With Poor Communication Skills

On the other hand, some inspectors for houses do not have excellent delivery when pointing out issues. Having been in business for thirty-eight years, I have found that the way problems are communicated can dramatically affect a buyer.

Some of the worst home inspectors, while thorough, use scare tactics to make problems sound way worse than they are! Why do they do this? You will likely call them for the next house if you don’t buy the home.

Real Estate agents like to call this a two-for-one. This is the mark of an unprofessional inspector. Yes, there are bad home inspectors, like bad real estate agents!

An excellent home inspector will be thorough and take the time to explain the severity of an issue. If the problem they have found is common and not something to be genuinely concerned about, they should explain this to you. Most common home inspection problems can usually be corrected relatively quickly.

Some safety issues are not the end of the world, but the inspector will make it seem like they are, especially with older houses.

3. Look For a Home Inspection Company That is Bonded and Insured.

Whether you go with a big company or a single inspector working independently, you want to ensure that whoever examines the property is bonded and insured. Insurance is one of the most important questions when interviewing for a home inspection.

It is a good idea to ensure the inspector carries omissions insurance in case significant problems are missed.

Depending on your area, a home inspector may be able to conduct business without general liability insurance. The problem with uninsured home inspectors is that they may try to hold you or the homeowner liable if they are injured during the inspection.

Climbing in attics and wandering through basements and crawl spaces does carry a certain amount of risk, which is why reputable home inspectors carry insurance.

If the basement steps are rotten and the inspector falls and breaks a leg, you don’t want to worry about being sued. If the inspector is not bonded or insured, I would immediately cross them off your list.

Before finding a home inspector, you should make sure they have insurance.

4. Verify That The Inspection Company Only Does Inspections – Not Home Repairs and Renovations.

It is a red flag when inspectors for houses are also general contractors. The right inspector will not do both.

Hiring someone who does only inspections is essential for finding the right home inspector. Home inspection companies that sell other services – such as roofing, plumbing, kitchen and bathroom renovations, etc. – have conflicts of interest.

They sell repair and renovation services, so they are more likely to see problems where there aren’t any.

You want an objective opinion on the condition of the home, not a soft sell on renovation or repair services. Of course, the company may do an excellent job separating its inspection and repair services.

Unfortunately, there is no way for you to know if you will be encouraged to make unnecessary repairs until you hire and pay for the inspection.

Choose a home inspection company that’s focused solely on inspections. If you are interested in the cost of repairs or renovations, bring in a contractor after the inspection.

5. Find Out What’s Included and How Long it Takes.

The best home inspection will be a thorough one, where the inspector reviews every little detail of the home. You want an inspection that looks at every component of the home, including:

• The plumbing system.
• The electrical system, including wiring and panel.
• The structural condition.
• The heating and air conditioning systems (HVAC system).
• The water heater
• The basement or crawl space and foundation.
• The roof and attic.
• Examination of floors, doors, and windows.
• Evidence of water penetration or grading issues.
• A pest infestation, such as bugs and wildlife.
• Environmental issues such as mold, radon, asbestos, and lead paint.
• Appliances and other general components of the home.
• Particular emphasis on structural issues, mechanical problems, and safety or code violations.

Knowing what an inspector will look at also allows you to shop around and compare services. Some inspectors may only focus on the structure itself and nothing more. Just know, going in exactly what you are getting.

Most home inspections should take two to three hours to complete. The inspection will likely take even longer if you purchase a larger home, a fixer-upper, or an older one.

Don’t hire someone who tells you they will complete the inspection within an hour or two. The inspector will likely be unable to do a thorough job in that limited time.

You should get a detailed report for their due diligence inspection process. It will contain detailed information about the results of the inspection. The inspection report will outline the home’s major components, significant problems, and other lesser issues.

The home inspector’s findings should always be in a written report so they can be presented to a home seller for any potential negotiations. Remember, there are some things an inspector for properties does not do, such as inspecting a septic system or a sewer line.

Replacing a septic system is very expensive, so it is worth getting a separate inspection.

6. Get References.

Another critical consideration for finding a home inspector is sound references. It is always worthwhile to ask for references when hiring a service; home inspectors are no exception.

Ideally, you want new references from at least a few different clients.

You can ask each customer about his or her experience with the inspection company. Did the inspector seem knowledgeable? Did they show up on time? Was the inspector’s report comprehensive and relatively easy to understand?

While references are excellent, remember that the inspection company probably gave you contact information for the most satisfied customers. That is why it’s helpful to get multiple references. The more people you talk to, the clearer a picture you will have of the company’s work.

Like picking a real estate agent is essential, so is your inspector.

7. Verify That You Can Accompany The Inspector While They Go through The Home.

While you are not required to go along for the inspection, it is in your interest to do so. The home inspector can explain all the different things he or she is looking for and give you valuable insight into the state of the home.

If you do choose to purchase the home, your trip with the home inspector will give you a chance to see where everything is in your new home and will allow you to take note of any areas that may give you trouble in the future – even if they are not significant issues right now.

A great home inspector will go over general maintenance of the significant components in the home.

While their primary function is discovering significant structural and mechanical defects, a home inspector can be a fantastic resource for educating you on how a home should work correctly.

Hopefully, your real estate agent can also accompany you on the inspection. Having your agent there ensures you get all the information you need about the state of the home.

The best real estate agents attend home inspections for their client’s benefit. When it comes time to negotiate any issues the home inspector discovers, it isn’t easy to do well if the agent is not there to see them.

Lots of agents make excuses for why they don’t attend inspections. Please don’t fall for one of their lame reasons.

Part of your Realtor’s job is to be a consultant. When it comes time to negotiate with the seller, you will need to know what reasonable home inspection repair requests are and what are not. Real Estate agents who do their job well are there for you every step of the way!

8. Request a Sample Inspection Report.

When choosing inspectors for houses, it is helpful to see what their home inspection report looks like. Home inspection reports can come in many different formats, from walls of text to colorful reports with photographs.

You will have an easier time reading the report if it is designed to be accessible. Any inspection company you are considering should be able to send you a sample report so you can see if the format works for you.

I would highly recommend selecting a home inspector who provides color photography of the issues they find. When it comes to home inspections, a picture is worth having. The link above shows the inspection report you should be looking for.

Notice the vivid photos showing the issues and a description of the problem. Please note – I do not know Home Gauge as they are not in my market. This type of report, however, is what you should be looking for.

When communicating issues to the seller, having pictures makes things so much easier. Sometimes it is tough for non-specialists to discern problems without seeing exactly what the inspector references.

9. Compare The Cost of Hiring Different Inspectors For Homes.

No one wants to pay more than they have to for a home inspection, so it makes sense to shop around. However, you need to make sure you are making an apples-to-apples comparison.

When looking at different companies, get a relatively detailed description of what each company does during an inspection.

A more thorough inspection is worth paying more for. The home inspection cost should be at the bottom of your criteria. Having a company with better references or experience in a specialized area, you need could be worth it.

There is nothing wrong with saving money, but hire someone you can rely on to do a good job.

On average, you can expect a general home inspection to cost anywhere from $400 to 800, depending on the area in which you live. Expect to add more to the cost of additional inspections.

Testing for radon, mold, lead, and water will have an additional charge.

In the Metrowest, Massachusetts, area where I am located, you can expect to pay between $500 and $700 for a home inspection. When picking a home inspector, the cost is probably the least important thing to look at.

Remember you want the best work, not the cheapest person who may miss a serious problem.

10. Find an Inspector With Experience in The Type of House You Are Looking at.

If you are looking at historic homes or any specialty home, try to find an inspector with some experience in the type of home you are buying.

The construction of older homes can vary by region and by style, so there may be some common issues that the average inspector may miss.

Newly constructed homes may also be built using materials and techniques new to the market, so having an inspector familiar with new construction for such homes can be helpful.

11. Choose an ASHI Certified or InterNACHI Inspector For Homes.

ASHI stands for American Society of Home Inspectors. An ASHI-certified inspector is required to follow a strict code of ethics. When you choose an ASHI inspector, you’ll work with someone who has passed rigorous technical examinations.

The requirements to get ASHI certified include performing over 250 professional inspections. It is essentially just another level of qualifications. Most inspectors will wear being a member with certification as a badge of honor.

This is not to say there are not some fantastic home inspectors who are not ASHI members. It is just another level of confidence when one has this designation.

The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, or InterNACHI, is another exceptional organization. An InterNACHI-certified inspector is required to follow a strict code of ethics.

When you choose an InterNACHI inspector, you will work with someone who has completed numerous inspection courses and technical examinations.

These inspectors must also complete 24 hours of continuing education per year. InterNACHI is the largest inspection trade association in North America.

You can learn more by visiting their website at InterNACHI. Read about what makes InterNACHI so unique! Many states also have statewide associations, which can be acceptable alternatives.

Reputable home inspectors are typically members of professional organizations.

FAQs

Here are common questions homeowners and buyers frequently ask about inspections with answers.

Can an Inspector Identify All Issues With a Property?

Absolutely! A skilled and experienced home inspector is trained to identify a wide range of potential issues with a property. They thoroughly examine the structural integrity, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other essential home components.

They use specialized tools and techniques to detect hidden problems such as leaks, faulty wiring, or mold growth. However, it’s important to note that some issues may be concealed or not immediately apparent during inspection.

Therefore, while a home inspector can identify most potential issues, it’s always recommended for buyers to conduct additional inspections or consult with relevant experts for specific concerns.

Can a Home Inspection Help in Negotiating The Purchase Price of a Property?

Yes! A home inspection can be an invaluable tool in negotiating the purchase price of a property.

A qualified inspector can identify any potential issues or deficiencies by thoroughly examining the various components and systems of a home, such as the electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, as well as the structural integrity and overall condition of the home.

With this information, buyers can present their findings to the seller and use it to negotiate a lower purchase price or request repairs or seller concessions.

Additionally, if significant issues are uncovered during the inspection, buyers may have grounds to back out of the deal altogether. Buyers can use their home inspection contingency to escape the purchase agreement.

Therefore, a comprehensive home inspection can provide buyers with vital information that can significantly impact the negotiation process and save them money in the long run.

How Long Does it Take?

A home inspection typically takes anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the property. During this time, a trained inspector thoroughly examines all visible and accessible home areas. For example, the exterior, interior, plumbing, electrical, HVAC systems, and structural components.

The inspector meticulously checks for any potential issues or defects that may affect the safety or functionality of the property. Additionally, they may use specialized tools and equipment to assess hidden areas such as crawl spaces or attics.

The duration of the inspection also allows for comprehensive documentation and detailed reports to be prepared for the homeowner or potential buyer.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is one of the most expensive purchases most people make in their lifetime. Potential buyers should hire the best home inspector possible. The extra money you spend getting a top home inspector will be well worth the money.

Hopefully, you have found this guide for getting a good inspector of homes to be helpful.

About the Author: Bill Gassett, a nationally recognized leader in his field, provided information on how to pick inspectors for homes. He is an expert in mortgages, financing, moving, home improvement, and general real estate.

Learn more about Bill Gassett and the publications he has been featured in. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-625-0191. Bill has helped people move in and out of Metrowest towns for the last 38+ years.

Are you thinking of selling your home? I am passionate about real estate and love sharing my marketing expertise!

I service Real Estate Sales in the following Metrowest MA towns: Ashland, Bellingham, Douglas, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hopedale, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Natick, Northborough, Northbridge, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Sutton, Wayland, Westborough, Whitinsville, Worcester, Upton, and Uxbridge MA.