There’s a lot that goes into buying a home, and it can certainly be overwhelming. You have to deal with finding a home you like, financing, negotiating with the seller, and many other variables. Getting an inspection of your potential new home is one of these items. However, this part does not have to be part of the stress! Here are a few helpful things to consider when choosing a home inspector from our agents at Coldwell Banker RPM Group!
A home inspector is hired to thoroughly and carefully inspect a home that is for sale, focusing primarily on structural and mechanical aspects, and generally, safety and municipal code compliance. For instance, a home inspector should be able to tell you that your potential new home has a breaker box that is outdated and must be replaced to “bring it up to code” with modern home safety requirements, or perhaps note that a new moisture barrier is needed in the crawlspace.
Out of all the inspectors that advertise, how do you know which one is the best?
Aside from your real estate agent, Google ratings are a good place to start. You can perform a simple Google search for inspectors in your area, and you will likely see star ratings and reviews from customers that give you an idea of how reputable they are. If a particular inspector has done something wrong in their work, chances are very high that someone has talked about it online!
When you are looking at a company or an individual inspector, first make sure that their primary business is home inspection, rather than repairs or renovations. Unfortunately, there are companies and/or individuals that may have the incentive to pose as an inspector and convince you that the house needs their repair work.
If you don’t have a solid referral from your real estate agent right away, gather quotes from and/or interview multiple inspectors and compare them. Additionally, by meeting with a potential inspector beforehand, you can often gauge for anything that seems fishy, shady, out of the ordinary, or raises a “red flag.”
Don’t give in to the temptation of choosing the inspection company that gives you the lowest quote, without getting more information. In many cases, it’s worth paying a relatively higher rate for an inspector who is trusted and known by your agent and other customers for doing good work.
Understanding what a home inspection involves is also important. Be sure to ask each candidate what all their inspection covers. You can also request a sample inspection report from the company from a prior job, to get an idea of what to expect in your written report and the quality and extent of their work.
The importance of working with a trustworthy real estate agent cannot be overstated. Our reputable agents at Coldwell Banker RPM Group serving Little Rock, North Little Rock, Maumelle, Cabot, Conway, Hot Springs, Benton, Bryant and surrounding areas will be able to recommend an inspector they have previously worked with. In this way, the inspector is vetted through your agent, and you will have the assurance that the inspector has completed satisfactory work before!
Let your local neighbors and agents at Coldwell Banker RPM Group help you buy and/or sell your home. We'll help you navigate every step of the process so you can ensure you get the best deal on your home. Contact us today!