There was a time when home inspections were never carried out and residential real estate transactions were made relying on the presentation of the agents and a brief visual inspection by the buyer themselves. However, over the last 20 years, a dramatic change has occurred in this process. The real estate buyers of today have the complete rights to get a real estate property inspected before they buy it.
Hiring the right inspector is not an easy task, things like conflict of interest, inspector’s competency, and insurance elements make this process rather tricky. Real estate buyers should always consider the following factors when hiring real estate inspectors:
Hiring an inspector
The first thing buyers should ask is how trained and experienced they are. Training and certification in building maintenance standards and construction are a must. The inspector they will be hiring should also have adequate experience of having appropriately inspected various kinds of real estate properties. The inspector should also have suitable qualifications if necessary, depending on the age and the location of the property that needs to be inspected.
Interview the inspector
The inspector should also be interviewed and asked about the various components of the property that they will be inspecting and those that will not be included in their inspection. It is necessary to ask the inspector, whether components like inbuilt appliances, the roof, and the swimming pool will be inspected by them or not, what will be included in the inspection report, and what is covered by their insurance.
Ask a sample detailed inspection report
When hiring an inspector to get a real estate property inspected, a property report or their inspection report should also be requested. Buyers should make sure that all the information mentioned in the report is clear and complete.
References
A home inspector should never be hired without acquiring references. References are very important and buyers should call out up some of their past clients and ask them how adequately the inspection was carried out for them and was it actually accurate once they moved into the house. Hiring an inspector who is not willing to provide references is not advisable.
Licensed home inspector
Real estate buyers should also look for a professional who is a member of some national or provincial home inspectors association. This will serve as a further proof of their competency and capabilities of inspecting real estate properties.
Hiring the right inspector is certainly very necessary; however, even the most experienced inspectors can make errors. Real estate buyers should always confirm with an inspector what happens in such situations and what their policy is. By keeping these things in mind and searching accordingly, real estate property buyers can make an informed and hopefully better-hiring decision.
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Rod Inspects LLC has been providing Buyer and Seller Home Inspections, Swimming and Spa Inspection, Sprinkle System Inspection Services and Light Commercial Inspections in San Antonio Texas and surrounding areas since 2002.