What to expect during a home inspection

So, you've made an offer on a home and it's been accepted. Your next task is to have the condition of the home inspected prior to closing to ensure you're making a wise investment. Agents oftentimes make your offer contingent on a passing home inspection.

A contingency allows you to renegotiate the price you offered for the home, seek that the sellers to cover repairs, or in some cases, enable you to walk away. Your agent can advise you on the most reasonable course of action once the report is presented.

How to choose a home inspector

Agents typically have a list of inspectors that they have formerly worked with that they can recommend to you. HGTV recommends you consider the following five areas when choosing the right home inspector for you:

1. Qualifications

Find out what’s included in your inspection and if the age or location of your home may warrant specific certifications or specialties.

2. Sample Reports

Ask for a sample home inspection report so that you can evaluate how thorough the home inspection will be. In most cases, the more detailed the report, the better.

3. References

Do your homework and ask for references. Request the contact information of previous clients and ask about their experiences.

4. Memberships

Not all inspectors belong to a national or state association of home inspectors. Membership in one of these groups should not be the only way to evaluate your choice, although affiliation with these organizations frequently means that continued training and education are provided.

5. Errors & Omission Insurance

Find out what the liability of the inspector or inspection company is once the inspection is over. The inspector is only human, after all, and it's possible that they might have overlooked something that they should have seen.

Ask your inspector if it’s okay for you to tag along during the inspection. That way they can point out anything that should be addressed or fixed.

Don’t be surprised to see your inspector climbing on the roof or crawling around in the attic or basement. The role of an inspector is to protect your investment and uncover any issues with the home, including but not limited to: the roof, plumbing, electrical components, appliances, heating & air conditioning systems, ventilation, windows, the fireplace and chimney, the foundation, and so much more!

The old saying, ‘ignorance is bliss,’ shouldn't be the case when you are making a substantial investment in a home. Work with a professional who you can depend on to provide the most reliable information possible about your new home so that you can make the most educated decision on your purchase.