You’re finally under contract on your dream home, and you’re ready to schedule the home inspection. The inspection is an essential piece of the homebuying puzzle, as it gives you an objective view into the condition of your new home. But, it also can also be an intimidating and stressful step. Imagine if the home inspector uncovers some serious issues — or worse, they miss something that could be a dealbreaker. Selecting a competent and knowledgeable home inspector can save you heartbreak and potentially a lot of money. It also can provide you with some much-needed peace of mind. The majority of home contracts are contingent on the results of the inspection, with the inspection contingency only being waived on 20% of contracts in Q2 2023, according to HomeLight’s recent survey. So, finding an inspector you can trust is vital. With this in mind, we’ve scoured resources for all the ins and outs of home inspections to create this expert guide on how to find a good home inspector, what information you should look for, and which questions you should make sure to ask. A home inspector is a trained professional who assesses the condition of a property. They can earn credentials from reputable organizations such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), as well as from the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Home inspectors observe and report on heating and cooling systems, plumbing, electrical, water and sewage, and roofing. They also check for evidence of insect, water, or fire damage to the property. “A home inspection gives a pretty good, comprehensive snapshot of the property condition,” says Mike Follman, of Home Inspectors & More, Inc. in McHenry, Illinois. He says each property is unique, noting that issues can range from something minor like chipped paint or a loose toilet, to more serious problems like foundation damage. It is the inspector’s job to observe and report on the issues they find, but they don’t typically suggest fixes or estimate the cost of repairs. Home inspectors also look at structural soundness, mechanical function, safety, and environmental issues (think lead-based paint or asbestos). “The home inspection offers you peace of mind at a low cost … the inspection also gives you the right to be able to renegotiate repairs with the seller before closing,” says Paula Burlison, a top real estate agent in Las Vegas, Nevada, who has over a decade of real estate expertise and nearly 500 transactions.What is a home inspector?
