A home inspection consists of a thorough physical inspection of the home - both exterior and interior. The home inspector will then prepare a detailed home inspection report that summarizes the findings and highlights key areas of concern. The report includes the general condition of the home's foundation, electrical, plumbing, visible insulation, and other systems. This report is delivered to the client in a timely fashion following the inspection.
The average cost of a home inspection ranges from $350-$650, which provides excellent value as long as the Inspector is of a high caliber. When one considers the magnitude of the problems that could impact a house, gaining comprehensive information easily pays for itself.
For instance, a pre-listing home inspection paid for by a Seller, proves beneficial. The home inspection report informs potential buyers of the condition of the property in advance of submitting a formal offer. This helps facilitate a smooth sales process by eliminating surprises once the negotiation is well underway.
There are a wide variety of home inspection companies that offer dramatically different levels of service. Certain home inspectors seek to offer the absolute lowest prices. They typically accomplish this since they are poorly trained, and by performing perfunctory inspections that are based on mere observations, rather than investigations. The end result is often a very disappointed client who has spent money, but received little in return.
Before you select your home inspection company, be sure they are of reputable quality with a core focus of providing an in depth investigation of a home. This will ensure that you have a comprehensive understanding of all facets of the house. Of course, each and every home has at least some small amount of defects. A good inspector distinguishes between major versus minor repairs, and helps inform the decision of whether a house is right for a particular buyer. As a home owner, these key distinctions are equally relevant and appreciated.
Methods for identifying a good home inspection company include:
- Asking friends and family members for a referral
- Search engines such as Google/Bing will list home inspectors in your local area
- Discussing with your real estate agent
- Most local banks could help you with a list of recommended home inspectors
It is imperative to complete detailed research on several of your local home inspection companies. Feel free to call the companies and ask what distinguishes them from the competition. You can then select the company that best suits your needs.