Choosing the Right Professional Home Inspection Services: What to Look For

So you’ve finally found your dream home. After months of searching, making offers, negotiating, and signing paperwork, the keys are finally yours! As exciting as this is, now comes the important step of having a professional home inspection done before you move in.

A home inspection is crucial for identifying any issues with the home that aren’t visually obvious. This will help you understand the true condition of the home and potentially negotiate repairs with the seller. But not all home inspections are created equal. It’s important to find a qualified, experienced home inspector to get the job done right. Here’s what to look for when choosing professional home inspection services in DeKalb county.

The Importance of a Home Inspection

Before we dive into what makes a great home inspector, let’s review why a home inspection is so important in the first place. When you make an offer on a home, it’s based on what you can see on the surface. But there could be all sorts of problems lurking behind the walls, under the floors, or inside the roof and HVAC equipment. Issues like:

• Structural problems
• Faulty electrical wiring
• Leaky plumbing
• Pest infestation
• Faulty HVAC systems
• Potential mold issues
• Major roof problems

A professional inspector will do a thorough evaluation of the home’s major systems and components, using specialized tools and their keen eye to identify issues. The home inspection report they provide will reveal any necessary repairs or replacements needed.

This gives you a much clearer picture of the home’s needs BEFORE you finalize the purchase. Then you can decide if you want to negotiate the price, ask the seller to make repairs, or walk away if issues are too major.

Bottom line: a home inspection protects your investment and prevents very costly surprises down the road. When you consider how much time and money goes into buying a home, a professional inspection is more than worth the small expense upfront.

Tips for Choosing the Right Home Inspector

When hiring professional home inspection services in DeKalb county, you want someone who will be meticulously thorough and detail-oriented. The inspection should cover all of the home’s major systems, including the:

• Foundation
• Framing
• Roof
• Plumbing
• Electrical
• HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)
• Major appliances
• Water heaters
• Insulation and ventilation
• Fireplace and chimney
• Pools, spas, irrigation, and landscaping (if present)

Ideally, you want an inspector who has extensive knowledge in all of these areas. They should be able to explain technical issues to you in a way that’s easy to understand.

Here are the top tips for choosing the right home inspector:

Look for Licensure

In most states, home inspectors must hold a current license demonstrating they meet experience and educational requirements. Look for a licensed inspector who maintains proper credentials in your state.

Verify Certifications

Look for an inspector who holds certifications from reputable industry organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). This demonstrates a higher level of commitment through testing.

Check References

Don’t be afraid to ask for references from past clients. A quality inspector should have a long list of happy customers who can vouch for their expertise and professionalism. Follow up with references to get their feedback.

Look for Experience

Choose an inspector who has been doing this for several years, ideally someone with 10+ years in the field. They’ll have deep knowledge of what to look for in a home inspection based on years of experience. Make sure they have experience with homes similar to yours (size, age, construction type).

Read Online Reviews

Do some digging for reviews on Google or Yelp. This will give you unfiltered feedback from past customers on their experience. Look for an inspector who has overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Consider Their Expertise

Some inspectors specialize in certain types of homes – like historic homes, new construction, or luxury properties. If your home fits a niche, look for an inspector with tailored expertise.

Ask About Their Process

A thorough inspector will take 2-3 hours or more to complete the inspection. Make sure they use high-tech tools and follow standard industry guidelines. Ask what’s included and their typical process.

By following these tips, you increase your chances of finding a professional home inspector who will do the job right. Always check references and credentials – don’t just choose an inspector based on price. A few extra dollars is worth it for the peace of mind of a comprehensive inspection.

Following Up After the Inspection

The inspector should provide a full written report within 24-48 hours of completing the on-site inspection. This will detail any issues found, with accompanying photos. Take time to review this closely, making note of any concerns or questions.

Follow up with the inspector for any clarification needed on the issues described. Once you have a clear sense of the inspection findings, you can determine next steps. If repairs are required, get written quotes from contractors to negotiate with the seller.

For minor issues, you may choose to move forward anyway and make repairs yourself later. For more major issues, you can request the seller make repairs upfront before closing. Either way, it’s important to understand any flaws with the home before becoming the owner.

Having professional home inspection services in DeKalb county before finalizing a home purchase offers invaluable peace of mind. While finding issues isn’t ideal, repairs are much simpler while the home is still the seller’s responsibility. This prevents very costly surprises after moving in. Take the time to find the right inspector and you’ll be well on your way to making a confident purchase