At Spartan Home Inspections, we believe that home buying is an important investment and should be taken seriously. It is essential to know the condition of a property before making a purchase. The best way to ensure this is by hiring a professional home inspector. However, not all home inspectors are the same, and not all home inspections are equal. Therefore, we have put together a list of ten critical questions you must ask your home inspector before buying a property.
1. Can You Provide Your Credentials and Licenses?
The first question you should ask your home inspector is if they are licensed and certified. It is crucial to ensure that the inspector has the proper training, experience, and qualifications to perform a thorough inspection. Therefore, you must verify that they are certified by a reputable organization, such as the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), and licensed by your state or local authority.
2. How Many Inspections Have You Completed?
The second question you should ask is the inspector's experience level. You must know how many inspections the inspector has completed, especially in the type of property you are buying. An experienced inspector will have seen many types of properties and will be familiar with the common issues found in them.
3. What Areas Do You Cover in Your Inspection?
It is essential to know what the inspector covers in their inspection. The inspector should provide a detailed list of the areas they will inspect, including the exterior, interior, roofing, electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The more comprehensive the inspection, the better the understanding of the property's condition.
4. Can I Be Present During the Inspection?
It is a good idea to be present during the inspection to ask questions and clarify any doubts you may have. Therefore, it is important to ask the inspector if you can be present during the inspection. A professional inspector will welcome your presence and explain their findings to you as they go.
5. How Long Will the Inspection Take?
The duration of the inspection can vary depending on the size, age, and complexity of the property. Therefore, you should ask the inspector how long the inspection will take. This information will help you plan your schedule and ensure that you have adequate time for the inspection.
6. Can I See a Sample Inspection Report?
A professional home inspector should provide a detailed report of their findings. Therefore, you should ask the inspector if they can provide a sample report. This will help you understand the inspector's approach to the inspection and the level of detail you can expect in the report.
7. Do You Offer Repair or Maintenance Recommendations?
A good home inspector will not only identify the issues but also offer recommendations for repairs and maintenance. Therefore, you should ask the inspector if they provide repair or maintenance recommendations. This information will help you plan for any future repairs or maintenance and budget accordingly.
8. Can You Provide References?
It is a good idea to ask for references from past clients. A professional inspector will have no problem providing you with references. You can contact these references and ask them about their experience with the inspector and the quality of their work.
9. What Is Your Policy on Re-Inspection?
If the inspector identifies any issues during the inspection, you should ask about their policy on re-inspection. A professional inspector will have a policy in place to re-inspect the property after the repairs are completed to ensure that the issues are adequately addressed.
10. What Is the Cost of the Inspection?
The final question you should ask is about the cost of the inspection. The cost of the inspection can vary depending on the property's size, and age.
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