This is a huge decision. It can be stressful and confusing – let me help ease your mind.
You are about to make what is likely to be one of the biggest financial decisions you will be faced with, additionally your home impacts the safety, security and well being of your family. There is obviously something about this house that draws you, it can be a very emotional decision with lasting effects. A good inspector will give you a straightforward, complete and honest report of the property’s condition at the time of the inspection. So why hire a professional home inspector? There are several options that can create more confusion and anxiety at this stage of the process –
- I know a great handyman who would be willing to do the inspection cheaper. The problem with this approach is that while the handyman is a great person to have in your corner as a home owner, they have not had the training and met the credentialing or licensing requirements of a professional inspector.
- My uncle is a plumber, he can look at the house and tell me what is wrong. A trade specific contractor has typically undergone extensive training and licensing requirements for their area of expertise and are probably masters of their trade, they have probably received no home inspection training, nor passed a competency exam.
- We don’t need an inspection, this is a brand new house. A newly constructed home can have major deficiencies, even when constructed by a very conscientious contractor.
Having your home inspected by a licensed home inspector allows you to:
- Make an informed decision. Know the true condition of the property before the purchase.
- Discover deficiencies and maintenance issues before buying. An inspection will help you understand the condition of major systems and helps you assess the true value and possible repairs in the near future
- Save money at closing. An inspection is not a formality, it is not an expense – it is an investment. It can save you money at closing by giving you a powerful negotiation tool
- Become aware of safety issues.
- Reduce risk. This is the ultimate objective when getting a home inspection – reduce the financial risk of buying a home. But remember – a home inspection is not a risk free determination nor is it a pass – fail test. It is a visual inspection at a specific point in time.