Moving into a new home is incredibly exciting. It gives you a chance to start fresh and upgrade your life. Who knows, maybe you and your new neighbors will become life-long friends.
However, before you get ahead of yourself, schedule a home inspection to confirm the condition and quality of the home. If you’re putting an offer on the table, make sure the seller knows it’s contingent based on the results of the inspection.
The only question is, how do you find the best home inspector?
We’re here to help. Keep reading for everything you need to know to find a qualified home inspector to check out your new home.
Verify Their Qualifications
First, know what you’re looking for in terms of home inspector qualifications. They need to have a state license to operate legally. However, there are other certifications that may or may not be required, such as:
- American Society of Home Inspectors
- International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
Hiring an inspector who’s gone the extra mile to obtain certifications like these will provide you with peace of mind.
Ask Other Homeowners for Recommendations
If you’re not sure where to start the process of finding a home inspector, talk to other homeowners you know. That average American moves more than 11 times in their life. This means most people have plenty of experience with home inspections.
Talk to friends, neighbors, and coworkers to get a personal insight into the best inspectors in town. Who did they use for their home inspection? Do they recommend the inspector to other people?
Look At Their Customer Reviews
If you don’t know anyone who can provide valuable insight, go online to do your own research. Search for the “best home inspector near me,” to find the top inspectors in your area. Then, visit each of their websites to find customer reviews and testimonials.
You should only work with a home inspector if they have a positive reputation among other homeowners. This serves as social proof of the quality of their services.
Check Availability
If you’re looking for a home inspection, odds are you’re planning on moving soon. Unfortunately, it can take weeks or longer to schedule an appointment. Therefore, before signing on with a home inspector, find out how soon they can come to the property in question.
If the offer you’re placing on a home is contingent on the inspection, it would be nice to have it completed sooner rather than later. The sooner you can confirm your offer, the sooner you can start planning for the big move.
Get a Quote
Finally, get a free quote from the top home inspectors in your community to compare and contrast prices. Home inspections typically cost a few hundred dollars, but you shouldn’t overpay for these services.
And remember, cheaper doesn’t always mean better. A low-cost inspector might not have as much experience. They might also have limited availability.
Looking for a Home Inspector?
As you can see, there’s a lot to consider before hiring a home inspector. Follow our guide and do your homework to find the best inspector for your needs.
And if you’re looking for more home buying tips, real estate advice, or consumer insight, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of our other articles before you go to find more helpful information.
