Have a Reference? Follow These Tips While Hiring a Home Inspector

You are reading this because you already have a reference for a home inspector. Maybe your close friends have suggested you or a real estate agent urges you to call him instantly. Even if it is a reference (and we know references do work!), it doesn’t mean you need to contact and hire him right now. Hence, we have curated some essential tips to hire a home inspector.

Conduct a Background Search Thoroughly

It happens that house owners blindly hire the inspector when a true friend recommends. But remember that what works for your friend will not work for you. For instance, you want additional services and that inspector is not competent, then it might be futile to hire him. And if he fits into your requirements, then do not skip the background search. You can surely invest some time to check his credentials and know whether he is the right person or not.

Does he have the requisite years of experience and qualifications? Is he certified, licensed, and insured? How much does he charge? Will he offer a referral discount? Is he available as per your requirements? Does he use updated technology, advanced report writing software, and investigation equipment? No matter how you are confident about your friend, you need to ask these questions to the recommended inspector.

Hire if You Trust the Recommendation

If a real estate agent or broker recommends a home inspector, determine first whether you trust the former or not. If the agent has been in the business for several years, he might know good inspectors. He knows much about the industry and can analyse whether someone will deliver a perfect job or not.

In the case of dedicated real estate agents, they will not be afraid of any home inspector you hire. They will not be stressed if the deal is not signed. He knows what is best for you and will not interfere with your agent.

Beware of the Scammers.

There are some real estate agents in the market who have networked with pseudo home inspectors. If you have such a referral, then it is a red flag. The inspector might carry on the process and seem to be like a thorough home inspection in Kansas, but you will end up in a one-sided, biased evaluation. If you don’t know the agent well or don’t trust his referrals, then go and find a professional all by yourself.

Discuss With the Inspector in Advance

When you have contact as suggested by your acquaintance, you are supposed to call the concerned person for a discussion. You cannot simply believe in the acquaintance and finalize the hiring on the phone. A good home inspector will spend time and effort to explain the process, timeline, report structure, and other aspects during the meeting. If the referral is notready to provide an explanation and avoids meeting, do not hire him.

Never Rush the Appointment

Many house owners are confident about their agents or acquaintances. So, when they have contact details of a home inspector, they quit the need to search for others. However, the contact that you have is not the best in town. Hence, we suggest searching for more inspectors and getting acquainted with competent ones, work standards, processes, and technologies.

Remember, All Houses Are Different

Always note that your house is different from that of your friend or acquaintance. Hence, provide details of your house to the inspector. Similarly, do not expect a similar home inspection report from him.

In short, your journey doesn’t end when you have contacts. The research, investigation, and discussion still need to be done, no matter how much you have faith in that acquaintance or agent.