Today’s buyers are not only looking for the best price in their large investment, but they are looking for value. That means the most room and the best quality that they can afford. To help in finding the level of quality that a house has or does not have, buyers hire a house inspector. The first time through a property, a home buyer may not see any flaws with their soon-to-be home. The second, third, etc., a time home buyer may see many more defects. It is what you don’t see that can come back to bite you later. The only way to get a great home inspection is to hire the right inspector. A qualified house inspector is the best way to find those not-so-obvious problems. Qualified is the key word here. A lot of states, Georgia included, does not require certification or training to become a house inspector. Many inspectors do have some type of background in the construction industry, but that does not mean that they are up on the latest construction techniques and building codes. The inspector’s job is to check over, under, inside, outside and within the floors, walls, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, roof, basement, etc. Their job is to find structural, mechanical and safety problems and not how something looks aesthetically, although cracks, water stains, nail pops, etc., may give a clue and indicate a more serious problem. The inspector gives the buyer a complete report so that the buyer can decide whether or not the house is a good deal and so they can put together a list of items that they want the seller to fix (it isn't unusual for this report to contain about 50 items). The fee for this service generally runs from about $245 to $500 and up. You are usually welcome to be at the inspection; being there allows you to discuss specific issues and ask questions about the concerns. It is important to get one you can trust.
You can find house inspectors on the web and you can contact the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), at (85 West Algonquin Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60005-- phone 847-290-6012). http://www.ashi.org/ There are 1400 inspectors who are members of this trade organization, which requires a minimum level of experience for membership. You can also go to ImproveNet for a searchable database of contractors. http://www.servicemagic.com/task.Inspection-General-Home-Home-Inspector.40087.html Realtors refer house inspectors to clients and may have several references. Many times a good source for good house inspectors are friends who've recently bought houses and believe that their inspectors were honest, thorough, and highly professional. According to HouseMaster, one name in home inspections, consumers often only ask for information about fees, but price should not be the deciding factor. Saving a few dollars on a home inspection could cost you thousands down the road. Here are some questions that consumers should ask when shopping for a house inspector. Does the inspector have access to ongoing education and technical support? Many states now have some form of licensing or registration for home inspectors, but do not provide adequate continuing education and support. Look for a well-trained home inspector who also has access to an experienced technical staff and extensive reference information. Is the inspector tested or re-certified annually? Make sure that a home inspector is tested every year—not just when they completed training—to ensure they are up to date on potential conditions in a home. Does the contract outline the scope of the inspection? A home inspector can’t see through walls or under carpets, and, depending on the area, there may be other things an inspector can’t inspect. A professional home inspector should provide detailed information on the scope of the inspection prior to its start so that clients understand what to expect. How is the inspector’s phone answered? The way an inspector handles incoming calls is often indicative of the quality of service. Be wary of inspectors who answer calls while on inspections or driving to them. Look for an inspector with a professional office staff that can schedule your inspection quickly, provide a detailed description of services, and answer all your questions. Does the inspector back his inspection with a written guarantee? A home inspection is not an insurance policy against future repair needs. However, good home inspectors will stand behind the accuracy of their findings. Ask if the inspector provides any kind of written guarantee and make sure it’s not a third-party policy. Does the inspector have a professional Web site? The internet gives consumers the opportunity to do their homework online, including shopping for a home inspector. Review the Web sites of several inspectors to see if the site is professionally developed, offers current and useful information, a sample report, client testimonials and more details on the qualifications of the inspector. AND do not forget to ask about their insurance. Some home inspections include $3 million in E&O coverage plus $1 million in general liability insurance. There are plenty of home inspectors to choose from. Making a wise home purchase depends on whether you took the time to choose a qualified professional. |