Choosing the Best Home Inspector for the Job

The reality, although a sad truth in our industry, is that no two home inspectors are ever the same.  Some are better, more experienced, and more knowledgeable than others.  With plenty of home inspection companies vying for your business, it is important you work with a company that is licensed, insured and bonded.

That being said, it’s important that you choose a home inspector possible that best fits your needs.  Here are 6 steps to ensure choosing the best home inspector for the job:

·         Choose an inspector who wants you to be present, but not under foot, throughout the inspection process.

·         Find out if there are going to be any additional charges or fees for areas of the home that are normally not included in a standard home inspection.

·         Inquire about their certifications and other credentials such as years of experience in the home inspection industry, memberships in professional organizations, and so on.

·         Look at a sample report so you can check for certain factors such as clarity, formatting, and whether photos have been included in the details.

·         Look through online review sites such as Angi, Google, Review, and Yelp to check a company’s rating and to see what prior customers have to say about them.

·         Verify that they are fully bonded, insured, and licensed to do the type of work they do in your specific Florida region.

If there are any red flags that arise when covering these steps, it’s probably best to just thank them for their time and move onto the next candidate for the job.  Once you’ve completed the above steps, ask the following 5 questions:

·         Are there potential risks with newer homes? Some newer homes have been sealed so well that healthy air circulation and proper ventilation may be at risk.

·         Do you tend to find more issues with older homes? Over time, there is an elevated risk of the structure no longer being up to code as well as pest infestations, mold, and rot.

·         What risks should be considered if you’re purchasing a foreclosure property? Look for issues that could cost you down the road such as electrical or plumbing problems.

·         What types of issues might raise a red flag during the inspection? Asbestos, hidden underground oil tanks, and mold are the most common red flags.

·         When it comes to the HVAC system, what should you look out for? If the HVAC system looks older and run down or has required numerous services, call in the recent past, this could indicate that it’s time to replace it.

For additional information regarding the above, call Florida Inspections Unlimited at 305-910-1171 today.