One of the most overlooked professionals in the world of
real estate is the home inspector. Many
buyers focus more on the cost of the home inspection versus the value that a
good home inspector can provide in the decision to purchase a home. A thorough report on the current condition of
the home is well worth the investment in the long run.
Here are four things to consider when selecting your
inspector.
1. Are they a member of a trade association
– much like other professions, home inspectors also have associations they can
belong to for networking, sharing experiences, learning about new building
trends and having a fellow inspector to bounce ideas off of when they run into
something unusual in a home they are inspecting. Locally, home inspectors might belong to
OREIA and OAHI, or inspectors might belong to national organizations such as
InterNACHI or ASHI. This might be one criterion,
amongst several, to help you make an informed decision on which inspector to
use on the home you intend to purchase.
2. How much time will they require? This is important to know so you can plan
your time and it’s a courtesy to let the sellers know how long they need to be
away from the home. A typical inspection
will require at least 2-3 hours at the home, possibly more considering the size
or condition of the home. If your inspector indicates they can complete the
inspection in an hour – that would be a big red flag (unless it’s a studio
condo with an HOA) and it would be best to continue looking for the right
inspector.
Another important timing consideration is
when will you get the inspection report. Not only is the actual on-site
inspection important, the report is what is used to help negotiate any
repairs. Some inspectors will write up
the report as they move throughout the home doing the inspection (which could
result in an extra long inspection time).
Others will spend another 1-2 hours, sometimes more, writing up a
summary of what was found during the inspection. Typically, you should receive the report by
the day following the on-site inspection.
Any longer, and you may eat up valuable time during your contracted
inspection period.
3. Find an inspector with clear, easy to
understand reports. A good report with explanations and pictures can make a
huge difference in articulating the issues found. Some inspectors will have a sample of their
report on their web site. Others will
send a sample when one is requested.
Ensure you feel the report gives a thorough review of all aspects of
your home from top to bottom, inside and out.
4. Make sure you have the right kind of
inspector. If you are buying a distressed home and are getting a 203k/rehab
loan, there are home inspectors who are qualified to perform inspections on
distressed properties. If you are buying
a historic home, some inspectors are more knowledgeable about older forms of
wiring/plumbing etc. that may still be present in the home. Generally, home inspectors are qualified to
assess the condition of most home types – finding the right one to support your
needs may be another criterion in your selection decision.
Choosing the right inspector will
be a big step in
making a wise purchasing decision.
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