How to Find and Work with a Home Inspector

When you hire a home inspector, you should ask trusted source for a referral and ... 

1.  Learn about and Understand Scope of the Proposed Inspection.

 

A home inspector will probably exclude certain activities from the inspection service.  An example of this exclusion could be cosmetics of the property.  Another could be that the inspector will not inspect wells, septic fields, or gas storage tanks.

 

2.  Look at Recommendations.

 

If you get a recommendation for the inspector, talk with your REALTOR agent about this and learn the facts of the referral, such as when and where the inspector has completed other jobs.

 

3.  Check for Inspector Credentials

 

How did this inspector qualify in terms of education and experience to perform house inspections?   Is he or she certified by any organization?  How many years has the inspector worked in the field?  And how many home inspections has he or she performed?  Is this inspector insured?  What kind of report will the inspector provide?  What is the cost of inspection including report?  What is excluded from inspection?

 

4.  Read and Understand Your Contract.

 

Know about any limitations on the work the inspector will perform, and any guarantees or warranties relating to the inspector's work.

 

5.  Avoid Conflicts of Interest.

 

Stay away from situation where person recommending an inspector may have an interest in outcome of the inspection.  Never use an inspector who would do the correction work and profit from any problem discovered.

 

6. Understand the Inspection Limits 

 

Inspectors sometimes are asked to inspect homes that are furnished and have floor coverings.  Many homes for sale are also freshly painted.  A good home inspector may be able to detect a problem under the fresh paint or a carpet.  But some problems cannot reasonably be detected without looking behind a wall or under the floor covering.  

 

7.  Be Careful. 

 

If some of the utilities are off (e.g., gas, water, electrical), it won't be possible to perform a complete inspection. 

 

Best wishes with your home inspection.

_______________________

Harrison K. Long, Explore Group, Coldwell Banker Previews, Irvine, CA.  Irvine Realtor.  CA DRE #01410855.  ExploreProperties@gmail.com.  

                   

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