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Main Things to Look for When Hiring a Home Inspector

Getting a home inspection is a vital part of the home buying process. They can let you know if your purchase is worthwhile and provide you with bargaining power to negotiate a lower price. If you are beginning your search for a home inspector, you likely already know how important it is to find the right one. Working with a qualified and experienced inspector can make all the difference. To aid you in your search, look out for these main factors that every great home inspector should have.

License and Insurance

Any professional that you are considering working with must be licensed and insured. These are two of the most important things to look for when choosing an inspector. An inspector receives a license after taking a specialized exam that proves they have mastered their necessary skills. Having insurance means that you won’t need to pay for any damages or injuries that occur during the inspection.

Skill and Experience

As with any job, having the proper knowledge, training, and experience as vital to do excellent work. Ask your prospective inspector how long they have been working in the field and what formal training they have received. You should also ask them what they do to stay up to date on all the latest information in the industry. Talking to the references is another great way to gauge their skill level.

Previous References

Speaking of references… A top home inspector should also be able to provide you with contact information for a number of prior clients. Call their references and ask them about their experience working with the home inspector. You can also check out online reviews written by past customers. If the inspector has mostly positive reviews, you will know that you have made the right choice. If their past clients have a lot of complaints, it may be in your best interest to keep looking.

Experience in Construction

This is an excellent bonus to look for. Any inspector with knowledge of the building industry will be a significant asset for you. They will be able to tell you exactly what aspects of the property may raise some concerns. They can also provide valuable insight into the strength and durability of the structure on the whole.

Professional Memberships

While it is not required that home inspectors be affiliated with any sort of professional group, it is another bonus that is nice to have. As such, it should not be the only factor you consider in your search. But it could be the thing that distinguishes the person who offers better home inspections in Philadelphia, PA, from everybody else. These groups provide their members with certification programs, additional training, and the latest information on industry standards and practices.

Man in vest inspecting near windowQuick and Easily Readable Reports

After the inspection is completed, the inspector will send you a report containing the results of the review and all of their findings. Ask them how long it will take to receive the report and how detailed it will be. Receiving the report via email should not take more than 24 hours. If you have any questions, they should be available to sit with you and go through the results to answer your questions and help you fully understand the pros and cons of buying the house.

Follow-Up Services

Any inspector who is willing to go above and beyond for their clients is sure to be an excellent home inspector and a great person to work with. Post-inspection services include follow-up appointments, additional reports (four-point and wind mitigation), and speaking with an insurance agent to handle any issues.

To learn more about what to look for in a home inspector or to schedule an appointment today, reach out to us at Eagle Inspections.