The Importance of Hiring the Best Home Inspectors for Your Property

Buying or selling a home is one of the most significant financial decisions most people will make in their lifetime. With home prices continuing to rise across the country, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re making an informed decision when purchasing a new property. This is where hiring a qualified and experienced home inspector can give you invaluable peace of mind.

What Does a Home Inspector Do?

A best home inspectors in Michigan job is to thoroughly evaluate the physical condition of a home and identify any potential issues or defects. They will assess everything from the roof, foundation, electrical systems, plumbing, HVAC, interior, exterior, and more during their inspection.

The inspector will then provide a detailed report summarizing their findings, highlighting any repairs or maintenance that may be needed, along with recommendations to address potential problems before they become major defects down the road. Their objective inspection and report will give you a much clearer picture of the home’s overall condition and help inform your purchasing decision.

Why Hire a Home Inspector?

There are many important reasons why you should always hire a professional home inspector when buying or selling a home:

Catch Issues Early

A home inspection allows you to identify problems with the home while you are still in the purchasing process. This prevents unwanted surprises that may come up down the road after you’ve already moved into the home. Catching issues early gives you the ability to negotiate with the seller, request repairs, or walk away if serious undisclosed problems are found.

Objective Third-Party Perspective

Best Home inspectors in Michigan are impartial third parties with no stake in the sale of the home. They simply evaluate the property’s condition and provide an unbiased, expert assessment. As a buyer, you can trust their perspective much more than the seller’s assurance that everything is fine.

Learn About the Home’s Systems

While you can visually see certain elements of a home, much of it is hidden behind the walls. A home inspector has the expertise to thoroughly evaluate all of the home’s systems and features most buyers don’t fully understand like electrical, HVAC, plumbing, ventilation, insulation, and more. Their detailed inspection report educates you on the home.

Peace of Mind

Knowing you had a qualified home inspector evaluate the property before purchase will give you greater confidence and peace of mind in your investment. Their inspection minimizes the chances of being blindsided by a major issue once you move in. You’ll be able to rest assured knowing you were thorough in your due diligence.

Insurance Purposes

Many insurance providers will ask for a home inspection report when writing new policies for homes. Having this report already completed shows you have taken steps to minimize risks for the insurer. Some may offer lower premiums when a recent inspection report is presented.

What Does a Home Inspector Inspect?

Home inspectors look at the physical condition of both the interior and exterior of the home. Here are some of the major elements they will inspect:

• Roof – age, material, condition of shingles/tiles, flashing, chimney, gutters and drainage, visible sections of attic
• Exterior – siding, brick and stone work, paint condition, windows, doors, decks, porches, railings
• Foundation – visible portions of foundation walls, basement/crawlspace, signs of water intrusion
• Electrical – service panel, wiring, outlets, switches, light fixtures
• Plumbing – water lines, drain and vent pipes, fixtures, water pressure, water heater, fuel lines
• Heating and AC – HVAC equipment age and condition, distribution, thermostats
• Ventilation – exhaust fans, venting, insulation
• Interiors – walls, ceilings, floors, windows, doors, built-ins, railings
• Garage – siding, roof, garage doors, safety sensors
• Outbuildings – sheds, detached garages
• Drainage & Grading – proper slope away from home, downspouts
• Pools/Hot tubs – plumbing, electrical, pumps, safety features
• Fireplaces & Chimneys – dampers, venting, masonry condition

They will also check for visible signs of leaks, damage, rotting wood, cracking, improper repairs, and more – things that may not be apparent to an untrained eye.

When Should a Home Inspection Be Done?

Home inspections should take place after you have an accepted offer on a home but before closing. You want the opportunity to review the inspection report and consider the findings before finalizing the purchase.

If serious undisclosed issues are found, you have more negotiation power to request repairs from the seller since you can still back out of the contract at this point without penalty in most states. Once you officially close, it becomes much more difficult to hold the seller responsible for defects, leaving repairs up to you.

The Final Walkthrough

A final walkthrough of the home is still recommended on closing day even after the inspection. This is a final check to make sure systems are working, repairs were completed properly, and the property is in the same condition as when you agreed to purchase it. If unexpected changes are found, you may be able to delay closing until they are resolved.

How Long Does a Home Inspection Take?

A typical home inspection will take 2-3 hours for the inspector to thoroughly evaluate the interior and exterior of the average sized single-family home. Larger custom homes with additional features like pools, multiple HVAC units, and outbuildings may take closer to 4 hours or more to fully complete the inspection process.

As a buyer, you are encouraged to accompany the inspector during the inspection so you can see their process and ask any questions. Some inspectors may also offer to review their detailed report with you and point out issues over the phone after the inspection is completed.

What Does a Home Inspection Cost?

Home inspection fees can range from $300 – $500 or more, depending on your location, size of the home, and the additional scope of services offered by the inspector. In most cases, you will pay the inspector’s fee directly at the time of service.

Factors that can increase a home inspection cost include:

• Older large custom homes
• Homes with multiple levels/outbuildings
• Swimming pools, hot tubs, wet bars
• Acreage properties
• Additional testing services (radon, mold, water, etc.)

In the end, the small upfront investment in a home inspection is well worth it for the peace of mind and potential costs you avoid down the road.

Finding the Best Home Inspector

Not all home inspectors are created equal. Taking the time to find the right inspector for your needs is just as crucial as the inspection itself. Here are some tips for choosing the best home inspector:

Research Experience & Certifications

Look for an inspector with an extensive background inspecting homes in your area. They should have in-depth knowledge of local building codes and standards. Confirm they have obtained certifications from respected industry organizations like ASHI or InterNACHI, requiring ongoing education and adherence to ethical inspection practices.

Look for Strong References

The best indicator for any service professional is positive word-of-mouth from past clients. Ask inspectors for multiple references from recent customers. Follow up with these references personally to hear about their experience during the inspection process.

Interview Multiple Inspectors

Set up interviews with 2-3 top inspectors to get a feel for their expertise, inspection style, and reporting thoroughness. Look for great communication skills and a willingness to answer all of your questions. Make sure you feel comfortable with them.

Price Shouldn’t Be the Top Factor

An exceptionally low inspection fee can be a red flag for cut corners. Be wary of quotes significantly below average. However, also watch for unreasonably high fees that don’t align with the home’s size and features. Find the middle ground.

Watch for Upselling

Some less ethical inspectors may try to upsell excessive additional testing services that are likely unnecessary. Stick with inspectors that focus on your home’s specific needs rather than running every test in the book.

Read Sample Reports

Quality professional home inspectors should have no issue providing you with sample copies of their standard inspection reports to review. This gives you a good indication of their reporting style, thoroughness, and professionalism.

Check for Drone Capabilities

Many top inspectors now utilize drones to enhance exterior roof and gutter inspections beyond what can be seen from the ground. Drone footage gives them a more detailed birds-eye view.

Verify Insurance Coverage

Reputable home inspectors carry insurance protection in case of alleged inspection errors and omissions. Ask for proof of E&O insurance coverage.

Common Problems Found During Home Inspections

While every home and inspection report is unique, here are some of the most frequently reported issues that come up:

Roof Leaks

Evidence of leaking around roof flashings, valleys, chimneys, and penetrations through the roof. May require resealing or replacing roof components.

Foundation Settling

Minor cracks in basement foundation walls or floors indicating small shifting/settling over time. May need further evaluation and repairs.

Plumbing Leaks

Leaky drain pipes or water supply lines found under sinks, tubs, and toilets. Cause water damage if not fixed quickly.

Electrical Issues

Outdated wiring, lack of GFCI outlets near water sources, loose light fixtures. Presents fire and electrocution risks requiring a licensed electrician to resolve.

HVAC Problems

Old furnaces/AC units, low airflow, dirty coils and filters. Reduces system efficiency and life expectancy.

Ventilation Concerns

Lack of exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchen. Can allow moisture buildup and mold development.

Pest Infestations

Evidence of mice, ants, termites, and other pests. Requires pest control treatment and sealing up entry points.

Radon

Elevated levels of radon gas found in some basements from surrounding soil. Requires added ventilation to reduce health risks.

These common issues reinforce the importance of getting a home inspection before closing on a property. An inspector can identify problems like these before they grow into more expensive headaches.

Should I Attend the Home Inspection?

As the buyer, you are highly encouraged to attend the home inspection yourself rather than just waiting for the written report later. Joining the inspector allows you to see the home’s condition firsthand, ask questions, and gain a much deeper understanding of the property. Here are some key reasons to be present:

Observe the Inspection Process

By observing the inspector evaluating the home from attic to foundation, you will gain better insight into the scope of what is covered in a standard home inspection. This allows you to be a more informed consumer.

Learn About the Home’s Systems

Having the inspector point out and explain the home’s electrical panel, plumbing, heating system, and other components provides an excellent informal education. You’ll learn things that will be useful as a new homeowner.

Develop Informed Questions

Being onsite during the inspection will spark questions you wouldn’t have thought of otherwise. The inspector can provide on-the-spot answers while issues are right in front of you.

Immediate Peace of Mind

Hearing the inspector’s perspective as potential issues are discovered will give you immediate feedback. You won’t have to anxiously await the report wondering what they found.

Facilitate Fixes

For minor issues, you can discuss potential solutions or fixes with the seller/real estate agents right away since all parties are already onsite during the inspection.

Maximize Your Investment

Taking a few hours to attend the inspection is well worth it to maximize your understanding of your new home as well as your financial investment.

As long as it’s ok with the seller, definitely take advantage of your chance to tag along during the inspection to enhance the value you gain from the experience.

How to Prepare for a Home Inspection

You can facilitate the home inspection process by making a few preparations ahead of time:

• Have the utilities turned on – Inspectors will need electrical, heating, and plumbing systems to be operational. Leave them on after your walkthrough.
• Cut back landscaping – Overgrown bushes or vegetation around the exterior can limit the inspector’s visibility. Some trimming may be needed.
• Clear access to appliances – Make sure inspectors can easily access furnaces, water heaters, electrical panels, and crawl spaces. Remove any stored items blocking access.
• Leave inspector a ladder – Provide an extension ladder and allow access to roof areas. Don’t expect the inspector to bring their own.
• Empty refrigerator – No need to leave old food in the fridge. You don’t want odors or leaks to deal with later.
• Vacate the property – Homeowners should leave to allow the inspector full access without distraction.
• Unplug computer equipment – Don’t risk power surges damaging electronics as electrical testing is performed.
• Keep pets secured – Contain dogs or cats so they remain safe and don’t interfere with the inspection.

Taking these steps will ensure your home inspector can perform a thorough unimpeded evaluation. You’ll get the full benefit of their expertise.

What to Do After Receiving an Inspection Report

Once the home inspection is complete, you’ll have a lot of detailed information to analyze from the written report. Here are some tips for handling the report effectively:

Take Time to Read Carefully

Set aside adequate time to read the entire inspection report closely, including the summary, full notes, and any attached photos. This will give you a firm grasp of the inspection’s findings.

Ask Questions

Don’t hesitate to follow up with the inspector to ask for clarification or more details on any aspects of the report you are unsure about. Get the explanations you need.

Verify Recommended Repairs

Compare the repairs recommended in the report with repair cost estimates from qualified contractors. Make sure the estimates align.

Review with Your Real Estate Agent

Your agent can provide good perspective on the severity levels of different report issues. They can advise you on which items to address with the seller versus which may not be worth pursuing.

Consider Negotiations Carefully

Use the report findings to determine reasonable requests for repairs from the seller, credits at closing, or walking away if defects are dealbreakers. Negotiate smartly.

Maintain Perspective

No home is perfect. While the report may seem overwhelming at first glance, keep things in perspective regarding the costs to remedy issues relative to the home’s value.

With the benefit of an objective inspection report, you can make informed decisions to ensure you end up with the home you want at a price that reflects its true condition.

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Why Certified Home Inspectors Are Best

There are various professional certifications available for home inspectors today beyond just having general construction experience or contractor licenses. Two major non-profit organizations offering widely recognized inspector certifications are ASHI and InterNACHI.

ASHI – The American Society of Home Inspectors

Founded in 1976, ASHI set standards for home inspections that are widely followed today. Their certification requires:

• Testing covering 450 inspection criteria
• Performing 250 fee-paid inspections
• Report review by ASHI Certification Board
• Signed Code of Ethics
• Continuing education for recertification

InterNACHI – The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors

InterNACHI has certified over 30,000 home inspectors worldwide through:

• Written Contract Inspector Exam
• Field Exam including mock home inspection
• Signed Code of Ethics
• Background checks
• Continuing education credits

Home inspectors can certainly perform their work without these voluntary certifications. However, when selecting the right home inspector, certified professionals demonstrate their commitment to excellence and continuing expertise. Certifications provide home buyers confidence their inspector will be thorough, educated, and ethical.

Common Certifications Held by Home Inspectors

Along with overarching home inspector certifications like ASHI and InterNACHI, inspectors frequently obtain credentials in specialized areas:

CREIA – California Real Estate Inspection Association

FABI – Fellow of the American Society of Home Inspectors

CECI – Certified Energy Inspector

CMC – Certified Master Inspector

CGB – Certified Green Professional

CDT – Certified Drone Technician

Multiple certifications indicate an inspector is constantly expanding their knowledge and capabilities. However, more certifications doesn’t necessarily equal better inspections. Focus on their overall experience, expertise, and reputation above all.

Home Inspector Certifications in Michigan

For home buyers focused on Best Home Inspectors in Michigan, here are some of the key professional inspector organizations operating locally:

Miami – Michigan Association of Home Inspectors

• Largest inspector association in Michigan
• Professional development seminars
• Code of Ethics

MASHI – MidMichigan Alliance of Residential Building Inspectors

• Inspector networking & education
• Located in Lansing, MI

NW Michigan ASHI Chapter

• Home inspection training
• Based in Traverse City, MI

UPOHI – Upper Peninsula of Michigan Association of Home Inspectors

• Serves Upper Peninsula inspectors
• Headquarters in Marquette, MI

Checking for certifications and involvement in these Michigan-based organizations is a great indicator of an inspector’s qualifications and commitment to providing thorough, reliable home inspections for their local market.