How to select a home inspector

Congratulations, you’ve just signed a purchase agreement on a home! Now you need a home inspection so that you can learn more about your new investment and to make sure the home is in good condition. How do you go about selecting a home inspector in the Indianapolis area?

When searching for a home inspector there are many avenues to take. There are typically well over 100 home inspectors to choose from in any metropolitan area alone and you want the best home inspector you can find. Where should you start?

Your agent will most likely provide you with a few names of companies that they would personally recommend; however, you should take the time to do your own research and learn how to select a home inspector.

Over 87% of people looking for a service go to the internet first. The internet provides a plethora of information and is a great place to find reputable home inspectors in your area.

• Check company websites. Beyond the company vision, see how long they have been in business, their certifications and how many home inspections they have performed.
• Interview inspectors. Call a few of them and speak to them personally and ask questions. Better home inspectors will take the time to answer any questions you may have and will make sure that you are involved every step of the way.
• Read reviews. The internet is also full of reviews of businesses so you can see firsthand what other people are saying about a particular company. There are many review websites out there but two of the very best for finding home inspector reviews are Google Business and Redfin. These are companies that do not charge home inspectors to be listed and the reviews posted are from real people.

Anyone who has had a good experience with a home inspector will be quick to tell you about it. Anyone who has had a bad experience with a home inspector will be quicker to tell you about it.

With sites like Linkedin, Twitter and Instagram, finding a good home inspector is as easy as posting a question to all of your followers. Just like asking your family and friends, your followers on Social Media will also be quick to tell you about a good or bad experience with a home inspector.

One of the most important things to remember when searching for a home inspector is that all home inspectors are not created equal. If you’re searching for a home inspector based off of price alone, there will always be the home inspectors who charge significantly less than the other guys. The general rule of thumb in this industry is, the less you pay for the home inspection, the less you get. It is imperative to realize that home inspectors come with varying degrees of backgrounds, ethics and education.

Home inspection costs are typically based off of the total square footage of the home and can range from $350.00 on up. The cheapest inspections are rarely thorough and usually leave the home buyer with more questions than answers. You may pay more, but look for a highly qualified inspector who has been around a while and knows the standards. Remember that for most people, a house is their biggest asset — and their biggest cost. A good inspector will look deeper and possibly save you from those nasty unexpected and costly repairs.