Introduction

Purchasing a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your life. While the property may look perfect during a showing, there may be hidden issues that arise after moving in. Hiring a professional home inspector can help safeguard your investment by identifying problems ahead of time. Follow these 10 tips when selecting and working with a home inspector.

Verify Licensing and Certifications

The first thing to check is whether the home inspector carries proper licensing for your state. Most states require inspectors to hold a license demonstrating education, experience, and testing qualifications. Common licenses include:

• Licensed Home Inspector (LHI)
• Registered Home Inspector (RHI)

Additionally, many inspectors carry certifications from organizations like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). These designations indicate specialized training and continuing education.

Review Experience and Focus Areas

Home inspectors in grand rapids have diverse backgrounds spanning trades like construction, engineering, architecture, and building science. Look for an inspector with at least 3 years of field evaluation experience and ask about their particular areas of expertise. Do they specialize in older homes, green building methods, regions with high termite activity – or another focus matching your property type?

Narrow down candidate inspectors to 2-3 options and research multiple reviews to confirm consistently satisfied customers.

Understand What’s Included – Or Not

A standard home inspection provides a non-invasive visual examination of physical conditions. This typically covers structural components (floors, walls, roof); functional systems (electrical, HVAC, plumbing); and basic appliances. Landscaping, pools, low voltage systems, and personal property usually fall outside this scope.

Review inspection protocols ahead of time so you understand what’s included. If you have specific concerns like radon, mold, well water, fireplace safety, or septic systems, discuss adding these as optional inspection items for an additional fee.

Don’t Hire Your Realtor’s Preferred Inspector

It’s common for real estate agents to recommend inspectors they work with frequently. While established relationships can indicate reliability, make sure to still do your homework. The home inspector works for you – not your agent.

Avoid perceptions of bias by selecting your own inspector known for thorough, objective assessments. If your real estate agent pressures against getting an independent second opinion, reconsider their motivations.

Prepare Documentation and Home Access

You will likely not accompany the inspector during the actual onsite evaluation. Instead, prepare by gathering background information to share upfront:

• List of known defects, repairs, or system replacements
• Utility bills showcasing average electric/gas usage
• Permits for renovations or additions

Additionally, ensure easy access to all areas of the home including basements, crawlspaces, attics, garages, and sheds. Clear pathways around electric panels, HVAC units, water heaters, sprinkler valves, and entrances to roof and foundation spaces. Secure pets away from the areas accessed by the inspector.

Providing full home access and operational documentation allows your inspector to conduct the most complete assessment possible within the standard 2-3 hour timeframe.

Attend the Inspector’s Field Summation

At the end of the physical inspection, a professional home inspector will review initial findings with you onsite. Expect the inspector to cover major defects first before detailing longer lists of minor flaws. Listen closely to concerns or recommendations warranting immediate repair versus general home maintenance.

Attending the in-person summation allows you to ask clarifying questions about mysterious terminology and next steps for correction. Photograph sample problem areas and take detailed notes since retention is difficult during information overload! If major red flags appear, the onsite review provides opportunity to reconsider moving forward before spending money on testing.

Understand the Written Report

A comprehensive home inspection report serves as the permanent record of your home’s condition at the time of sale. Written reports present thorough technical details unnecessary for initial discussions. Expect ample terminology, ratings on multiple grading scales, and copious photographs documenting issues spotted.

Set aside 30-60 minutes to slowly review the entire report, taking notes on questions to ask. Use online resources to lookup confusing building science terms or system components. Identify any deal-breaking safety hazards or estimate general repair costs.

Most inspectors provide reports within 24 hours so you can review before contingencies expire. Contact the inspector with follow-up questions once fully digesting the observations.

Get Professional Opinions on Major Issues

Home inspection reports advise on noticed defects but avoid speculating fixes. For potentially costly concerns like structure stability, mold outbreaks, or inadequate electrical capacity, consider consulting relevant field experts for repair opinions before closing.

Credentialed structural engineers, electricians, plumbers, roofers, mold specialists and pest control companies can provide written estimates clarifying actual risks and options. Seek second opinions when uncertain about the severity of defects highlighted.

Getting professional consultations also supplies helpful documentation should major undisclosed issues surface requiring legal action against the sellers later.

Ask about Guarantees and Warranties

Unexpected latent defects still sometimes slip through even the most diligent home inspection. Many home inspection franchises and professional associations provide guarantees should serious unreported issues arise immediately after closing. standard guarantee periods span 6 months up to a full year.

Examples of coverage scenarios include undiscovered wood rot necessitating sudden roof replacement or an electrical system failing dangerously shortly after occupancy. Make sure to save the detailed inspection report as grievances must directly relate to components observed and documented during initial assessment.

Understand any limits, exclusions, or deductibles connected to inspector guarantees. Also confirm whether an individual franchise branch differs from the overarching corporate provider. Check if any included warranties require using designated third party vendors for expensive repairs.

Negotiate Repairs and Adjustments

Armed with thorough home inspection details, determine the best path forward with your real estate agent:

• Request sellers to repair issues before closing, especially concerning immediate safety.
• Renegotiate sales price to fund likely near future system replacements.
• Withdraw contingencies and accept the property “as-is” despite noted flaws.
• Cancel the contract due to excessive defects or dishonest non-disclosure.

Ideally sellers will complete repairs professionally. But if paying out of pocket, obtain invoices and warranties proving work completion by licensed tradespeople. Otherwise you inherit the defects requiring future attention.

Conclusion

Selecting the right home inspector provides objective insights empowering your purchasing decisions. Follow these tips when researching qualified candidates, scheduling inspection logistics, attending onsite summations, decoding written reports, understanding guarantees, and negotiating with sellers. Investing in a professional home inspection reduces surprises helping you safeguard the largest investment of your life!