7 Tips To Choose The Best Home Inspector For Your Next Buy

Purchasing a home is a significant investment. It is not just a financial decision. A home symbolizes much more- a sense of pride, a new beginning and a better life. No matter what the reason is, buying a home always remains special. Thus, it is only natural that you take the utmost care when you look for one.

A home inspection gives the much-needed peace of mind that you, as a buyer, want. However, all home inspectors are not the same and choosing one who is not comprehensive enough increases the probability of something going unnoticed.

Don’t make this mistake. Here are seven tips to help you choose the best inspector for your next buy:

Ask your inspector if you can accompany them

Firstly, inquire from the inspector if you can accompany them when they inspect the property. In fact, it is a positive sign if he or she encourages it themselves. It is preferable to be present during the inspection for the following reasons:

• You get a more comprehensive view of the property itself.
• You can clear any doubts you have about your prospective buy.
• You get valuable advice on maintaining your future property

Ultimately attending the inspection makes you more confident of your buying choice. You don’t get these advantages by showing up only to get the report.

See their sample reports

Another way to choose the best home inspector is to see a sample report they have prepared beforehand. Sample reports are sometimes available on the website of a company, or one can even call and request to see it. Once you attain it, notice the format and clarity of the report. A quality report should state the defects, its implications and information on fixing it. It should also include photos.

Know what should be included

Since the make of every house is different, the work of an inspector may vary from one home to another. However, there are a few components that must be analysed by the inspector regardless of what kind of house they are inspecting. A good inspector must investigate the following aspects of the property:

• Structure
• Electrical system
• Plumbing system
• Heating and air conditioning systems
• Basement
• Wall floors and ceilings
• Foundation of the house
• Roof
• Water penetration issues.
• Electrical appliances
• Environmental concerns like mold
• Pests

Inquire about their ancillary services

There are some house features unique to a type of residence or sometimes even an area. So, it is essential that your inspector provides services that include them as well. For example, septic systems in Ottawa rural areas are common, and their inspection is typically not included in a general package. Many inspectors, however, are willing to provide this service. Thus, it is best to inquire about an ancillary service that your house may require.

Read online reviews and call past clients

If your inspector has not been referred by someone you know, it is best to ask them for contact numbers of their previous clients and have a word with them about their experience with the professional. Moreover, you read online reviews that clients before you have posted. Rather than choosing between online reviews and making calls, you should use a combination of both. This helps create a more accurate picture of the inspector’s work.  

Check if they carry inspections as per OAHI

A way to make sure that all critical aspects of the inspection are covered is to make sure that the inspectors follow the regulations set by the Ontario Association of Home Inspectors (OAHI) for home inspectors in Ottawa. They contain information on what must be inspected at the property. By hiring a company that works by these rules, you can expect the job to be of a quality standard.

Hire inspectors who do not make repairs or do renovations

Do not hire companies that provide both inspections and repairs as it acts as a conflict of interest. Such a company is likely to exaggerate the gravity of the issues of the property in the hopes that you would choose them to make the repairs. It is thus best to hire inspectors who will provide an unbiased judgment of the house’s condition.

photos by Trine Christiansen