Buying a home is a stressful process and one that everyone has different tips and tricks for. One thing that ends up being an important part of the process for many people is hiring home inspection companies to check out your future home.
But not everyone does this, and some who do end up not getting a full report. Hiring the right company is important — but how do you choose?
We’re here to make your decision easier. Keep reading for five essential questions to ask when you’re choosing a proper home inspection company.
1. What Qualifications Do You Have?
Ask about the qualifications of the inspector that will be performing the inspection, such as their experience and education. Additionally, inquire about any certifications they may have and how regularly they need to be renewed.
If they’re part of an association, make sure to ask about their code of ethics and what their processes entail. Asking the right questions will allow you to pick the most qualified and trustworthy home inspection company and ensure you get an adequate inspection of your home.
2. What Services Do You Offer?
A home inspection includes a visual inspection of the exterior and interior of the house and the grounds, and then a report of the inspection’s findings. Knowing exactly what your home inspection company offers will give you a better understanding of the quality and scope of their service.
Consider asking if the home inspection company offers a glass replacement service. It’s important to ask about what materials they use for replacement and how quickly they can repair and replace any damaged glass. Understanding what services are included in your inspection can be invaluable when it comes to budgeting or making decisions.
3. How Long Have You Been in Business?
We want to make sure they have the experience and knowledge necessary to properly and thoroughly inspect your home. A company that’s been in business for a long time likely has plenty of experience with inspecting residential and commercial properties.
They can bring that extensive knowledge to bear when they evaluate your home. Furthermore, a long-established company has likely built a good reputation among customers in the area and understands the local building codes.
4. Do You Offer a Detailed Written Report?
A detailed report should include more than just a checklist of parts of the property that have been inspected and should include:
- Explanation of any potential issues
- Estimated cost of repairs
- Any photographs taken
This could help illustrate any failure or breakage found during the inspection. It is also important to ask how long it will take to get the report and how much it will cost as these can sometimes vary from company to company.
5. Are You Insured?
The home inspector should be insured by error and omission insurance and general liability insurance to protect you from any potential problems that may arise from their inspection. If they are unable to provide proof of insurance, it is best to look for another option.
Additionally, you should ensure that the coverage they have is up-to-date and adequate. Also, inquire about any additional charges that may have been applied should something be found wrong.
Questions for Choosing a Reputable Home Inspection Company
Finding the right home inspection company is very important. Make sure to ask important questions before hiring a home inspection company, such as their cost and qualifications. For more information on hiring a home inspector, contact your local home inspection company today.
Need more information on how to manage your home? Check out our other articles for more details.
