Q: A home inspection can give buyers some peace of mind, or some leverage, when they are making their biggest investment ever. However, this process can seem complicated, especially for inexperienced buyers. How do I find the right inspector? And what should you look out for when hiring an inspector? What questions to ask the inspector and what should you look out for during an inspection? Be clear on how to get the most out of your inspection. To find out, we spoke to some experts.
answer: If you are looking to purchase a home, the inspection should cover the home’s major systems and physical components. The key is to take an active role in the process.
The items covered by home inspections vary widely, and the experience and expertise of the inspectors also vary. Some states do not regulate home inspectors, while others require a license and a list of items in the home that need to be inspected. For New York, that list includes heating and cooling systems, plumbing and electrical, and structural components such as foundations and roofs.
You can also get referrals from friends and family to find a qualified inspector, but don’t use referrals from people who are interested in closing the sale. Search the directories of professional organizations for home inspectors, such as the American Association of Home Inspectors. The American Association of Home Inspectors requires its members to adhere to standards of practice and a code of ethics.
“Just because you hire a qualified home inspector doesn’t mean they’ll inspect everything,” said Lisa Alajajian Giroux, a Massachusetts home inspector and 2023 president of the American Association of Home Inspectors. Please don’t do that.”
So, interview potential inspectors and ask them what they will (and won’t) inspect to determine if you need to hire a professional inspector for pests, pools, decks, chimneys, etc. please. Ask how long they will be staying in the house. A low inspection fee may mean that the inspector does not spend enough time inspecting the property thoroughly. Ask about the next report. Is it a narrative account of what was discovered, a checklist, or something else?
When the day comes, follow the inspector around the house so you can get a better idea of what they found and whether the problem is serious or urgent. ask a question. “If there are significant problems, you can raise them to negotiate a lower price or require the seller to make repairs,” said Andrew D. Brodnick, a Westchester County-based real estate litigation attorney. ” he said.
The final report will be more meaningful if you are present during the inspection.
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