When it comes to hiring a home inspector, references are an invaluable tool. Not from people you may know, but from people who have already been treated by the inspector in question. Before you make your decision, ask yourself these 17 questions to ensure you're making the right choice. A home inspection is a critical and high-stakes moment for anyone looking to purchase a house or apartment.
With so much on the line in the inspection report and so many factors to consider when selecting a home inspector, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by research and doubts. To help you make the best decision, we've compiled 17 questions to ask qualified home inspectors in your area. Their answers will give you a better understanding of the service you can expect. When interviewing potential home inspectors, ask them for references from the last four inspections they performed. Additionally, request an example of a complete inspection report.
This will give you an idea of how thorough and detailed their inspections are. Ultimately, you want to choose an inspector who has experience, positive references, and is known for being very thorough. While this may cost more upfront, hiring a good inspector will save you money in the long run. If you don't perform a comprehensive and accurate inspection, you may miss out on major issues and miss out on the chance to negotiate repairs with the seller. Home inspections are not cheap and pose a huge financial risk if you decide to buy without one.
However, take references with a grain of salt as they are likely to be biased in favor of the inspector and not representative of all clients, as Gladstone points out. After the home inspection is complete, you may want to hire a specialist or general contractor to get an estimate on how much a kitchen renovation or plumbing upgrade would cost.
