A certified home inspector can give potential buyers and sellers an in-depth look at a property’s condition. Whether you’re thinking of selling your own house or buying one, hiring a home inspector can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run by uncovering problems that you would have otherwise missed. The best home inspectors are professional and knowledgeable and will be able to provide you with a thorough report.
When looking for a qualified home inspector, be sure to check that they’re licensed in your state. Many states, like Florida, require home inspectors to pass a state exam. InterNACHI offers a state exam prep course and other online resources to help future home inspectors prepare for the test. You should also make sure that the inspector has extensive experience in the industry. Having years of experience will ensure that the inspector has seen a variety of homes and is familiar with common issues in the field.
Another important thing to check is that the inspector has professional liability insurance, also known as errors and omissions (E&O) insurance. This type of insurance can cover the cost of a lawsuit against an inspector if they make a mistake during a home inspection. E&O insurance is a must-have for any home inspector, no matter what state they work in.
Before hiring a home inspector, be sure to read reviews and ask for referrals from past clients. You should also ask the inspector to send you a sample of his or her home inspection reports. This will help you get a feel for the style and quality of the inspector’s work. In addition, it’s a good idea to follow the inspector around during the inspection. This will allow you to see the inspector in action and ask questions.
Once you’ve found a qualified home inspector, you should have an open conversation about the types of things the inspector looks for during the inspection. The more information you can give the inspector, the better job he or she will be able to do. You should also discuss your expectations for the inspection. For example, you might want the inspector to point out every little crack and crevice, or you may prefer a more general overview.
After the inspection, the home inspector should prepare a written report on the findings and deliver it to the client. The report should clearly identify the systems and components inspected and contain photographs and descriptions of any observed defects. The report must include a summary of the findings and recommendations, as well as the estimated costs to correct the defects. The inspector must give the client a copy of the report within five business days of completing the inspection. The inspector must keep records of the inspection, including the name and license number of the client. In addition, the home inspector must maintain a bond of not less than $500,000 with the department. The bond must be in the form approved by the commissioner.