Finding the right home inspector is as important in the home ownership process as the inspection itself. Hiring unqualified, inexperienced inspectors can be a waste of valuable time and money. It can even put you and your family at risk. A top priority of a professional home inspector is safety. They want to make there are not any major flaws or dangerous problems in the home you’re having inspected, and it’s in your best interest to choose the right person for the job. Often times, your realtor will recommend a local victoria home inspector based on their experience with them. While it’s always good to consider their recommendation, it is equally important to do your own research as well. You can find home inspectors who are more qualified or experienced in the area where your home is, and will have a better understanding of what to look for. You can also find home inspectors who are more knowledgeable with your type of home, whether it’s an old heritage house, a new building, or a townhouse.
Experience
Experience is one of the most valuable assets a home inspector can have. Studying home inspection does not necessarily mean an inspector will know what to look. By choosing an inspector with years of experience, you are ensuring you get the most efficient, thorough, and professional inspection for your money. An experienced home inspector will also be able to answer your questions, and will likely give a more comprehensive report compared to an inexperienced inspector. Some people hire friends who work as electricians or plumbers to do home inspections, but while they may be experts in their fields, they have a narrow understanding of what a home inspection involves.
Reviews
Reading reviews of companies or individual home inspectors is one of the easiest ways to get an idea of the quality of work you’ll be getting. Of course, it’s always best to judge for yourself and not get hung up on one or two bad reviews. But generally speaking, diligence and quality work will be reflected in reviews. Reviews can also shed light on possible concerns, helping you narrow down your choices.
Reports
An increasing number of home inspection companies are delivering more and more detailed reports. Many companies now include photos, for example, to demonstrate and elaborate on their findings. More detailed reports are not only a reflection of the quality of work the inspectors are doing, but also gives you tons of information about your home that can be immeasurably valuable. In some cases, these detailed reports can even help you bring down the cost of your prospective home. Most companies can give you examples of the reports they make so you can get an idea of yours will look like.
Equipment
The type of equipment used by a home inspector is a good indicator of the quality of their work. Some common equipment used includes probes, digital cameras, flashlights, infrared cameras, carbon monoxide detectors and electrical circuit detectors. These pieces of equipment help the inspector give a more comprehensive report, and allows them to get their job done efficiently.
