What to look for in a Home Inspector
Always meet the Home Inspector
When finding the home to purchase, choose the right Home Inspector. Home Inspectors can point out potential problems. These problems can cost you the homeowner a lot of money in the future. When I go to an inspection first I meet with client. Always be present when the inspection takes place. I encourage homeowners to walk the inspection with me. This gives them a chance to ask questions abou the home. If the homeowner is not present, these questions cannot be answered and maybe the inspection gets rushed through.
Find out the qualifications of the Home Inspector
Where my business is established in Sarasota County Florida, there is no special qualification or license. But some States do require Home Inspectors to complete a test. Since there is no license in the State of Florida (Charlotte County, Fl requires a County license) most inspectors join Home inpsector Associations. NACHI is one of the associations these inspectors will join. Another well known association is ASHI. Both these associations are very informative and reputable to the industry. Make sure your inspector has more criteria than just an association badge. I am a State Certified General Contractor in the State of Florida. This means I took a test and paased the State's requirements and also had the required on the job training. I also have a small remodeling business doing residential and commercial projects. So by having this experience of opening up walls and seeing plumbing, electrical and structural problems first hand. I have also been in the Construction Industry in Sarasota County for over Twenty years. I have been surprised though to see some individuals in my area with relatively no experience. This can cost you the homeowner.
Computer based inspection software
Believe it or not is a big one. If you cannot read the inspectors notes than the inpsection is no good. Ther are believe it or not still some inspectors that hand write there results. With new technology and sodtware, I can generate a home inspection report in a Twenty Four hour turnaround. Which is categorized and ledgible to read.
Realtor's Home Inspectors
This can be a touchy subject with some Realtors. I do work with some great Realtors, but I have been contacted in the past by some who were looking for a quick "for the sale inspection" ethically I do not operate that way. I base the inspection upon the house. Not the Buyer and not the Owner. Some Inspectors work for the Realtors. This means they receive alot of work from an individual or a firm and they feel commited. Always hire your own Inspector. Take the Realtors names and numbers for inspectors but interview them. Ask them there background and there experience. Also how long have they lived in the area. In my business my clients are from Northern States and may not know anyone local and they take there Realtors advice on who to choose. Rememeber you pay for this service do not pick the first Inspectors name that comes up.
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