Tips In Doing Home Inspection Right

The bridge, it seems, between the seller and the buyer of a home is the home inspector. Hired because he serves the purpose of a reviewer or critic, his report may either drive the seller crazy or may turn off the buyer completely. Hence, the success of the transaction depends very largely on his part.

All houses are not created equal. They are also imperfect, which is why a man who will conduct a home inspection Des Moines must know the thin line between imperfection and problem. Most house problems can be repaired, yet requires sharp observation.

Like other industries, some shady individuals like to print business cards claiming they are professionals even though they are not really qualified for the work described. Because not all states regulate home inspectors, it is your job to separate the rotten from the fresh, so the first step is to ask for credentials. Certification is a must, and search within home inspector associations known for being trustworthy.

Have the person you are about to hire send you a sample report. If he sends you a document with only four to five pages, ditch the guy and move on with the other fish in the sea. Comprehensive reports are known to have an average of twenty to fifty pages, and often include photos and highlighted paragraphs that describe and talk about the defects and issues of the property.

An independent inspector is also highly recommended. You would not want someone with conflicts of interest, such as one who recommends a certain contractor or developer. Be wary of those who are also tied to real estate agents, who might just be sucking up to them to get the house quickly sold regardless of condition and can put words on the lips of your inspector. Also, inspectors are not repairmen, so avoid those who will offer to fix the plumbing or rework the basement.

Ask about how long the inspection will occur. At least three hours is necessary to complete the job properly. Someone who just sticks his head into a room, gets out, calls it a day and writes a report is not someone you want to pay for your home inspection. You want someone who is willing to take the time to intensely study the house as if it were a university degree.

Ask about reinspection charges. Should he find problems and there is a need for fixing, it is usually standard courtesy for the inspector to return to the house to verify repair status free of charge, although there are places in which they do charge for the return. Either way, be upfront, and never only take the word of the seller that the issue has been fixed. Have it absolutely checked.

Yet, even the greatest of inspectors must have a margin of error. Everyone does and deserves that. And like recognizing the fragility of our existence by getting health and life insurance, reputable home inspectors have an errors and omissions coverage in case he makes a mistake.

Lastly, be present when the inspection happens. If you are a very busy person, at least be there even just for the sake of letting your inspector show you what must be reforged, repaired, or remade. After all, it is your money and this could be the deal of a lifetime, so take time and see it for yourself.