Home Inspections will Provide Peace of Mind

We all know that it’s a good idea to see our doctor for a yearly physical and to open wide in the dentist's office if we want to head off cavities before they begin. What’s true for our physical and dental health is true for our “home health” as well. When buying a home, it’s important to have a thorough home inspection completed before we sign on the dotted line. But how do we choose one? And what should we expect once we do?

People not familiar with the real estate or home building industries can be confused about what to look for in choosing a good home inspector. The first rule of thumb is not to make price your #1 criterion in making your selection. Instead, consider these questions as you do your research:

• How long have they been in the business of home inspection, not just a home-related industry? And how many home inspections have they done? 
• Are they certified by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors or the American Society of Home Inspectors? 
• Can you access references and testimonials from other home owners who used their services and were thrilled with the result? 
• Will they provide you with sample home inspection reports so you can see an example of what you’ll be getting? 

Positive answers to these questions will narrow the field for you. At that point, you can use price as a component in the decision-making. An average fee for an inspection is between $250 and $500. You can also consider candidates who provide additional, related services, like mold testing, termite inspection, radon testing, etc., to help you make your final choice.

Once you have selected a home inspector, what should you expect him or her to find? Your home inspector should check both the inside and outside of the home to identify any problems – or potential problems – with the roof, the home’s structure, the plumbing, the electrical writing, the heating system, and any moisture issues. To become more familiar with the parts of the home that your inspector will review, check out a home inspection checklist that you can find online. This can help you not only anticipate what your inspector will be looking for, but it can also help you come up with questions you may have when the inspection is completed.

We wouldn’t expect perfect physical health if we never had a check-up, and we wouldn’t be surprised if we developed cavities if we never saw the dentist. Similarly, the health of the home will are planning to purchase should always be assessed by a professional home inspector. Since for most of us, our home is our biggest investment, it’s more than worth the cost of the inspection for Louisville home owners to have the peace of mind that comes from knowing exactly what we are purchasing. The buyers agents with the Brad Long Real Estate Group can provide you with a list of home inspectors that have a proven record of competience.