No week has reminded me more of just how important a home inspection is for a buyer than this week. Two home inspections for first time home buyer clients of mine turned up potentially costly items that needed attention.
More on that later…
For now here are twelve questions for buyers to ask a home inspector from the National Association of Realtors:
12 Questions Buyers Should Ask the Home Inspector
1. Are you a member in good standing of a professional inspectors organization, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors?
2. Are you licensed? (Required only in some states)
3. What systems—plumbing, heating, electrical—will the inspection include?
4. How long will the inspection take?
5. How much will the inspection cost?
6. Can we accompany you on the inspection?
7. Do you have references?
8. Do you carry errors and omissions insurance?
9. What is your specialty and what sort of continuing education have you completed? Note: If the inspector is a plumber by training and has no expertise in home construction, the inspection might not be comprehensive.
10. Do you provide a written report at no extra charge?
11. Does the report include estimates of repair costs?
12. Does your company also do repairs when you find problems? If the answer is yes, it may indicate a conflict of interest.
