Are you a First Time home buyer? How exciting...You have found your Great Realtor...You have found that dream home...Now it is time to find your home inspector...One more important step in the process.
How to find a home inspector in your area. I will use Texas as an example since I live, work and play in the San Antonio, TX area and surrounding counties.
Although utilizing a Home Inspector at the time of a home purchase has become routine over the last few years; the value of learning details about the condition of a home prior to purchase is important. One imporant deciding factor is to decide if this is the right home for you.
Real Estate industry professionals are familiar with the services provided during a home inspection. How can you be sure to get the most benefit from the inspection of your potential home? The best source of information about the quality of services provided by Home Inspectors are your co-workers, friends and family. Your realtor can also present a list of inspectors for you to choose from if you are new to the area.
Some questions to ask about the training and experience of the inspector.
Are you licensed or certified with a state organization?
Do you keep current on industry knowledge with continuing education?
Are additional licenses kept current or do they have areas of expertise?
Do you carry E&O Insurance
How long have you been in business? A very important question.
When and how do I receive the report. Are photo's available.
In the state of Texas you hold a license through TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission). http://www.trec.state.tx.us/ You can find a list of inspectors, year they became certified and what specific designation they hold.
A thorough inspection on a typical 2,000 square foot home will take a minimum of two hours. If it is an older home, larger or has additional outbuildings, pool/spa, hot tub or septic it will take longer. It is important that you attend the inspection. A detailed report is great but being able to see issues first hand is extremely valuable. This report will indicate items that may need repair or further evaluation.
The home inspection is a visual examination, structural and mechnical. The inspector's trained eye and education can help spot items that you or a friend may not even be aware that may need attention. The present owner may not even be aware if it is an existing home. If it is a new home sometimes the contractor may have missed some items in error. If you are building a new home consider phase-inspecions - pre-slap, enclosure,and final walk-through. Depending on the home a fourth may be necesary.
Fees vary widely for Home Inspections. Shop for content not cost. An incomplete or substandard inspection can cost a lot in the long run. Good information is valuable but should be cost effective. Some leg work at the beginning of the Home Inspector selection process will increase your satisfaction with the new home you choose.
A home purchase is a hectic time. Use the information provided here to get the best result from your Home Inspection. It is not a process that you want to rush through. Your first home purchase has to be right for you.
GOOD LUCK & ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME!
If you are moving to the San Antonio and surrounding area please consider me for your Home Inspector. Carl Winters, Advanced Inspect, TREC License #3630, I've been in business since 1994. I know the lay of the land as we say in Texas; therefore would appreciate the opportunity to be your Home Inspector of choice. 830-660-0131.
San Antonio - Boerne-Canyon Lake- Bulverde-Blanco-New Braufels-Converse-Scherz-Cibolo-Seguin-Wimberly
Comments
Write New Comment ▼
Write New Comment
Sorry! This knol's owner(s) have blocked you from editing, making suggestions, or commenting here.