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How to Find a Qualified Home Inspector
Most states in the US offer little or no regulations for the home inspection industry. How do you find a qualified home inspector?
Ask for opinions.
Talk to friends who have had an inspection recently. Did their inspector do a good job? You can ask the inspector for references, too, but keep in mind they probably won't give you the names of unhappy clients.
If you are working with a real estate agent you trust, ask who they recommend. Agents deal with inspections every day. They know who the good inspectors are. The agent should give you at least three references--not steer you to one individual.
What does the inspection cover?
Inspect the inspector.
If statements in the appraisal or pest report cause the lender to ask for a structural inspection they will expect that inspection to be done by a licensed professional.
Before you select an inspector find out what type of licensing the lender requires if a structural inspection is necessary. If your inspector qualifies, it may save you time and money since you won't have to hire a second person to verify structural integrity.
Important questions
On inspection day
It's best if you attend the inspection youself. Inspectors report all defects they find, no matter how minor. Home buyers sometimes get excited about minor problems simply because they don't have an understanding of what's really wrong. Witnessing problems first-hand will give you a better grasp of what is and is not an issue.
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