6 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

6 Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

Before you should finalize the purchase of your new home it is imperative that you have a home inspector take a look at the property you want to buy. This will help to ensure that everything is in good shape, and will provide you with the information that you need in regard to any repairs or safety issues prior to your making the purchase official.

If this is your first time buying a home, fret not, your real estate agent should be able to help you find a qualified home inspector in the community. As a buyer, however, there are a number of questions that the Department of Housing and Urban Development suggests you ask your home inspector prior to hiring them.

1. What is Covered in This Home Inspection and How Much Will It Cost?
   Before actually beginning the inspection, the Department of Housing and Urban Development suggests that you go over exactly what you should and should not expect of your home inspector. Find out what they will check for, and if curious, how they will check for certain problems. If you have any specific questions or items you want the inspector to check, mentioning this to them during this time is helpful.

Realistically the overall cost of a home inspection can vary quite a bit and is based on the region, the size of the home as well as numerous other factors. Typical costs range between $300 and $500.

1. Are You Able to Do Any Of The Repairs Listed on the Report?
   Should there be any minor problems discovered during the inspection, you may want to know if the inspector can fix them. Unfortunately, certified home inspectors are not generally allowed to fix any problems on properties that they inspect due to potential conflicts of interest.
2. How Many Years Experience Do You Have With Residential Home Inspections?
   Regardless of how long a home inspector has been working in the field, they ought to be able to provide you with a suitable answer to this question. While it may be useful for the inspector to have a construction background, it is more crucial that they are specially trained in looking over residential properties.
3. When Can I Expect the Home Inspection Report?
   Most home inspectors will provide you with what is called a sample home inspection report. This allows you to take a look and to see what you can expect to receive within about 24 hours of your inspection being completed. Even with the tightest timelines, this should provide you with lots of time for a thorough review before the closing.
4. Can the Home Buyer be There?
   Being present during a home inspection can be a valuable experience as the inspector may be able to provide you with immediate answers to any simple maintenance questions you may have. On the off chance that the inspector says that you cannot be there, you might want to review their qualifications.