Are you about to embark on your home-buying journey? It’s an exciting time, but don’t forget one crucial step: scheduling a home inspection. While it’s a significant part of the process that can sometimes cause anxiety, skipping it isn’t an option.
To make the most of your home inspection, the first step is to ensure you feel confident in your home inspector’s abilities. One way to do this is by asking the right questions.
What should you ask? From their qualifications to the specifics of what they will inspect, the right questions can help you gain the assurance you need. In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the most important questions to ask your home inspector.
What Is Your Experience as a Home Inspector?
This is one of the first questions you should ask your home inspector. Their answer will give you insight into their background and how long they’ve been in the field. You’ll also want to know whether they have experience inspecting homes like the one you're considering. Don’t ask how long they’ve been licensed, instead as how many inspections they performed that week, or that month. Some inspectors carry their license for years but do not inspect. This question will help to ensure you find not just a licensed inspector but an experienced one as well.
Are You Licensed or Certified?
It’s essential to confirm that your home inspector is licensed and certified. This ensures that they have the qualifications to perform a thorough and reliable inspection. In Wisconsin, home inspectors must meet the state’s requirements, so make sure your inspector is compliant.
Additionally, take the time to research their credentials. Look up online reviews or ask your friends, family, or real estate agent for recommendations. For peace of mind, choose an inspector who is certified by reputable organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).
What Additional Services do You Offer?
Asking an inspector what certifications they have and additional testing and inspections they can provide beyond a home inspection will clue you into their dedication to their business. If an inspector has chose to invest time in further education and money in expensive testing equipment, this demonstrates an inspector who is invested in his business. If they do not have any additional offerings or very few, this could be an indication of a brand new inspector or someone who only inspects part time.
Can I Attend the Home Inspection?
This is a crucial question to ask your home inspector before the inspection begins. Since you are paying for the inspection, you should have the right to be present. Many inspectors welcome your participation, but they might suggest that you avoid certain areas, such as the attic, roof, or crawl spaces, for safety or practical reasons.
Do You Provide Warranties With Your Inspections?
This question separates the experts from the novices. Just like asking if they have invested money in further education and certifications, if an inspection company purchases and provides warranties for your protection this means this company values you as a client. Only a successful inspection company will spend the extra money on warranties solely to protect their clients from unexpected issues that may arise after they take ownership.
What Type of Report Will You Deliver?
Most home inspectors provide detailed reports, complete with pictures and diagrams. These visual aids make it easier to understand the issues found during the inspection and where they are located in the home. A good inspection report will help you make informed decisions regarding repairs or negotiations.
If an inspector doesn’t offer photos or diagrams, it could make it harder for you to grasp the scope of the issues. For clarity and peace of mind, ensure your inspector provides a comprehensive written report that explains all identified problems.
How Long Will It Take to Receive the Inspection Report?
Timing is critical when purchasing a home. If the inspector takes too long to deliver the report, you may have limited time to address any issues before making a final decision. Most inspectors deliver reports within 24 hours, but it’s wise to confirm the expected timeline before the inspection.
Will You Be Available After the Inspection?
After the inspection, you may have additional questions or need clarification about certain findings. Ask your inspector if they will be available to answer questions after the inspection is complete. This ongoing communication can provide reassurance as you move forward with your decision.
Tip: When selecting an inspector, pay attention to their communication skills. Also, be sure to request a sample inspection report to assess their thoroughness and attention to detail.
Conclusion
Asking the right questions during the home inspection process is essential to ensure that you are fully informed about the condition of the property you’re considering. By understanding your inspector’s experience, qualifications, and approach, you’ll feel more confident in their ability to provide a thorough and accurate assessment.
A home inspection is your opportunity to uncover potential issues, whether they’re structural, electrical, or related to other systems, and it gives you the chance to make informed decisions. By asking the right questions, you can make the process smoother and enjoy peace of mind as you continue on your home-buying journey.
Looking for a reliable and comprehensive home inspection? At Homesight, Inc., we provide in-depth inspections that cover every aspect of the property, ensuring you’re well-informed before making such a significant investment. Our dedicated team is ready to offer expert guidance and 200% satisfaction—schedule your inspection today!
