7 Questions Every Prospective Buyer Should Ask a Home Inspector
Purchasing a home is the single largest investment a person will ever make in their lifetime and is one of the most important financial decisions they will ever make. So you want to ensure that such a decision is made using the right data and information. As a result, you want to ensure that you have chosen the right home inspector to provide you with that data and information. The following is a list of 7 questions every prospective buyer should ask a home inspector before hiring them.
Do they belong to a professional home inspection organization? They should be a member of one of the following organizations:
- Florida Association of Building Inspectors (FABI)
- Florida Association of Home Inspectors, Inc. (FAHI)
- Florida Association of Professional Home Inspectors (FAPHI)
- Home Inspector Association of South Florida
Do they specialize in residential property inspections? Experience and training in residential inspections are important, as this is very different from commercial property and construction site inspections. Thus, look for only residential property inspectors when you need them for your house.
How many years of experience do they have and how many inspections have they completed during that time? They should provide you with their credentials as well as client referrals when requested. While newer inspectors may be just as qualified, they should describe the type of training they’ve had and let you know if they’ll be working with a more experienced partner.
How long does it take them to complete the inspection? It should take 2 to 3 hours for the home inspection to be performed. If it’s a fixer-upper, larger home, or older home, the inspection will take longer to complete. That is why it is important to keep in mind the availability of the days accordingly.
What do they focus on when inspecting a home? Home inspectors focus on areas of a home that they can see, e.g. attics, basements, roofs, etc. They also should inspect electrical boxes, furnaces, and water heaters, while at the same time ensuring that a home’s systems are up to code.
Can you accompany the inspector during the inspection? The answer should always be YES. Not only is it an educational experience, it gives the client and the inspector the opportunity to discuss any repairs that are needed.
Will they provide a report of their findings? You should receive a detailed report of the inspection within 24 to 48 hours. You need to ensure that the inspector’s reporting style meets your lender’s requirements as well. That is why it is important to consider working with insured and bonded home inspection services.
For additional information regarding Broward County home inspections, call Florida Inspections Unlimited today at 954-861-0666.