Home inspections are a crucial part of conducting any business regarding real estate. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, having a trained professional always helps when you’re determined to get your money’s worth and remain on the right side of the law. For buyers, a homebuyers inspection is a shield that ensures you’re getting what you pay for and that nothing is keeping you from making an educated decision, ensuring you’re aware of any imperfections. For sellers, unless selling as is, having your home inspected increases your property’s marketability, demonstrating honesty and competency, and potentially protecting you from legal issues. It’s important not only that you hire the right individual, but also that you know the right questions to ask a home inspector.
One important home inspection question involves verifying the inspector’s credentials: Are they licensed and insured to conduct inspections in your state? Knowing this will help you hire the right person, ensuring they have the necessary expertise and accountability to perform their job effectively.
1. Are you licensed?
The inspector can explain their training and how their skillset meets state regulatory board standards. We recommend consulting with at least three certified inspectors to find the best rate in your area.
2. What kind of experience do you have?
Ask how long they’ve been certified and performing home inspections, how many they’ve completed, and what type of residential properties they specialize in. An inspector with a solid track record is likely to provide a more comprehensive evaluation.
3. What will the inspection cover?
You’ll want to understand their skillset before you make a hiring decision and what areas of the home they specialize in. Your standard home inspection should hit on the following notes:
- Structure: Assessing the home’s foundation, walls, and roofing to determine structural integrity and ensure the property is safe and not prone to inclement weather.
- Exterior: The inspector should examine siding, windows, doors, and trim and will most likely also examine any attached structures such as balconies or decks.
- Roofing: The inspector will perform a more in-depth inspection of the home’s roof and assess its condition, materials, and drainage systems, looking for any visible fissures or leaks.
- Plumbing: The inspector will examine pipes, fixtures, water heaters, and the overall water pressure within the plumbing system. They’ll be able to spot any signs of a leaky pipe or water damage.
- Electric: The inspector will need to examine electrical panels, wiring, outlets, and light fixtures to ensure everything is up to code and functioning normally. Faulty electrical systems can naturally be very dangerous and start fires within the home, so the inspector will most likely pay special attention to this portion.
4. May I see a sample report?
While the above-mentioned is typical for a standard, thorough home inspection, a sample report will show you what you can expect from a specific inspector.
5. How long will the inspection take?
Scheduling this kind of work can be difficult, especially if you consider yourself busy. Getting an idea of the duration will help you plan the inspector’s visit, and you’ll make sure you’re working with someone who takes their time and won’t overlook anything relevant.
6. Can I accompany you during the inspection?
While not completely necessary, we recommend you tag along if the option is available so you have questions to ask during a home inspection and get a first-hand look at any issues.
7. What should I expect to pay for this inspection?
Although you may get an approximate figure upfront, expect charges based on the home’s size, age, location, and the inspector’s reputation and expertise. Additional services, like radon testing or mold inspection, often come with extra costs, while a general full home inspection typically ranges from $400 to $1,000.
8. What happens if you find any issues?
Understand the follow-up process to assess your options better and determine the following steps if you find significant problems.
9. Have you inspected similar homes?
The inspector can give you information on issues commonly seen in similar homes or trends that they have noticed. For example, if you are selling or looking to buy a pre-war home, the inspector will mention lead paint or asbestos, common pre-war building materials that today pose significant health hazards.
10. What tools do you plan to use during the inspection?
Modern tools like infrared cameras and moisture meters can provide a more thorough and accurate inspection but may be more expensive. It’s best to learn a thing or two about them to determine if anything seems unnecessary.
11. Can you recommend anyone?
After the inspection, ask your inspector if they can recommend local, budget-friendly services to address any issues you find.
If you’re looking for a reliable home inspector in Frisco, TX, Kissee Inspection Services is your best option! Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, we provide a range of professional, high-quality services covering everything from HVAC to termites at a rate that suits your budget. Want to get started today? Give us a call or text us at (469) 438-8509, or reach out for a free quote!
