There are many things that can go wrong with a home – even when it’s brand new. Depending on the quality of construction or a seller’s use of cosmetic enhancements (aka “curb appeal”) to hide areas less likely to be seen during typical open houses or walk-throughs.
You’ll Know You’ve Found The Right Home Inspector When…
To trust that a full home inspection is accurate, you need to find the right home inspector for the job. Here’s what you should look for:
1. They Have The Right Qualifications
The first thing you need to look for is the inspector’s current qualifications.
- Are they licensed?
In Florida, home inspectors are required to be licensed, but you’d be surprised how many slip through the cracks or simply don’t bother to get their license renewed. Always ask to see a copy of their license. If they won’t show it to you, move on. - Are they insured?
This is essential to cover any damages that happen as a result of their inspection of the property or anyone present at the time of the inspection. - Are they Inter-NACHI certified?
Qualifications don’t mean much unless they’ve put them into practice. You want an inspector with significant experience performing home inspections and dedicated to remaining at the forefront of industry best practices and innovation. Inter-NACHI certification is a sign of their dedication to their professional and continuing education – not to mention integrity.
2. They Welcome Your Attendance on Inspection Day
In order to get the most out of an inspection, you or your real estate agent should be there in person. A good home inspector understands this and welcomes your presence.
Unfortunately, some inspectors want to get in and get out as quickly as possible, and they’re not as eager to have a client or representative present during the inspection. An inspection is a great time to learn about your home’s structural and inner workings, as well as pro tips on routine home maintenance. If the inspector doesn’t want you there, they aren’t the right one for the job.
3. They Answer Your Questions
One of the reasons you need to be present during your inspection is so you can ask questions about the things that you don’t understand. To find out how responsive an inspector is, just ask them some warm-up questions. Here are a few examples:
- Can you think of anything, in particular, to watch out for with this type of home?
- What’s the worst thing you’ve ever found during an inspection?
- How long do you expect the inspection to take?
- When will I have my inspection report?
- Can you perform repair work to keep things moving forward (this is a savvy trick question because a true, professional home inspector has a conflict of interest and will not work on a home they inspect. If they answer “yes,” you can’t trust their findings)?
A good inspector will have no problem answering these as part of the hiring process. If they refuse, then they probably won’t be very helpful during the inspection either.
4. They Feel Right
Yes, you need to make sure they are qualified, experienced, and professional first and foremost. But they should also be someone who makes you feel at ease. Reviews are a great place to learn more about how clients experience the inspector, so go online and see what people are saying about the inspector’s personality, warmth, trustworthiness, willingness to answer questions, etc.
Schedule Your Whole Home Inspection With SIP
If an inspector ticks off all these boxes, then you’ve found yourself a keeper.
Are you still in the process of searching for the right home inspector to assess your central Florida home? Contact us today at Super Inspection Pros. for more information on our process or to schedule an inspection of your home.
