One of the most important steps of the home buying process is the inspection. Usually, a buyer gets only one professional review of the home before the actual purchase: the home inspector report. While these can be helpful to a certain degree, they can be quite limited as well. Often, the inspection report’s significance is exaggerated, affecting the expectations of both the buyer and the seller, which can lead to disagreements, dissatisfaction, and even lawsuits.
Before starting your search for the perfect home in Fairfield County, here are a few important things to keep in mind about home inspectors:
Not all home inspectors are licensed
There are several states that do not require certification or licensing for home inspectors. While a license or credential does not necessarily equate to competence or skill level, it indicates that the inspector has at least received a minimum level of training or education required for inspecting homes.
You may need to hire a specialized expert
During an inspection, a home inspector may report that a particular area requires a closer look from a specialist, such as a structural engineer, a general contractor, or an architect. Even though their primary job is to report potential issues, some problems may require further expertise from someone other than your inspector.
Beware of inspectors who charge cheap rates
Sure, you may save some cash, but there might be a reason as to why a company is charging low rates. Maybe they’re new to the business, or take less time inspecting homes – what’s important is to know that the home inspection is not something you should disregard. You need to look for the best service available.
Home inspectors do not reveal all potential problems in a home
Home inspections are only visual assessments of a property. For example, inspectors will not look inside walls to look for problems with plumbing or wiring. They can however, look for clues that can reveal underlying problems.