Buying a home means that there are a lot of different things to consider. One of those is a home inspection. It can tell you if there are serious or significant problems with the home, so you can make an informed decision about buying. Sometimes a seller will fix problems found on inspection, or negotiate. Other times, they refuse and you have to decide if you want to buy the house anyway. Your home inspection cost is important, as well. You don’t want to overpay for a service that you need as a buyer, but you also don’t want to choose a home inspector based solely on price. Often, you really do get what you pay for, so you need an inspector who will charge a fair rate and do a good job.
How well do you know your inspector?
To avoid being overcharged for your home inspection, you need to do your homework and ask the right questions. The more you know your home inspector, the better you will likely feel about what they charge you for the inspection. Also, take some time to read reviews, ask other people who they have used for their home inspection, and ask your real estate agent for some recommendations. That way you can have a better chance of getting an inspector you feel good about. If you know someone who actually knows a home inspector that can be even better, but that’s not an option for most people. Just doing your due diligence, though, can be enough to help you feel good about the inspector you choose.
Have you checked With the BBB?
When you buy a home, you want to be sure that you’re getting an inspector you can trust. If your inspector misses something, you may find that you have to pay to have repairs made after you close on the house. Many inspectors have clauses in their contract that says they are not liable if they miss something, so trying to get them to pay for repairs isn’t generally going to be successful. By taking a look at whether they are BBB accredited, and if there have been any complaints against them, you can find out a lot more about whether they will do a good job for the money they are asking from you. Even if the price seems good, if the quality isn’t there you’re being charged too much.
Is there a standard rate in your area?
When you trust your home inspector, you will feel better about the amount you’re being charged for a home inspection. That inspector’s rate should be very similar to the rate that is being charged by other inspectors in the area. Checking around can give you a good idea of the price, but expect it to vary some. The level of experience an inspector has, any special certifications, and any kind of guarantees may cost you more. Additionally, it’s possible that the size and the age of the house will play a factor, as well. Larger houses mean more work to inspect, and an older house needs a more careful inspection because of its age and the potential for problems. Paying more to have a large, old house inspected isn’t out of the ordinary.
What level of inspection are you looking for?
The purchase of a home is a significant financial consideration, and that means you want a good inspection so you don’t end up with very expensive repairs. There are different levels of inspection you can get, and that can affect the cost. A standard inspection will generally look at things like the overall structure, obvious water damage, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. If you want the water tested for lead, or to find out if there are termites present, you may have to pay extra. Depending on what kinds of services your inspector provides, you may also have to hire different inspectors for different things. Some don’t do pest inspections or test the water, while others do. Ask your inspector about their services and rates, so you know if you need to call other inspection companies.
Should you do an inspection yourself?
Some buyers consider doing the inspection themselves so they can save money. They figure they can see if the plumbing is leaking and if the lights work, along with looking for signs of water or mold. Still, there are a lot of problems that a trained inspector may find, that won’t be obvious to the average person. Buyers who work in construction for a living, for example, might be able to conduct a reasonable home inspection because of their line of work. Other buyers probably have little knowledge of the real issues they are looking for, and might miss something important. It’s much better to get a good home inspector to handle things for you, as long as you make sure you’re being charged fairly.
Is a home inspection really worth the price?
With the right inspector and company, a home inspection is worth every penny you’ll pay for it. You can find out if there are serious issues with the home you’re about to buy, so you can decide if you want to proceed. You can also ask the seller to fix certain items, using the home inspection as proof that there really is an issue. Just make sure to do your research and read the inspection contract, so you know what you’re getting and will pay a fair price for the service.
2 Point Highlight
To avoid being overcharged for your home inspection, you need to do your homework and ask the right questions.
When you trust your home inspector, you will feel better about the amount you’re being charged for a home inspection.
