{"id":406,"date":"2025-03-14T13:06:40","date_gmt":"2025-03-14T14:06:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.adamsauctionserv.com\/?p=406"},"modified":"2025-05-01T23:01:36","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T23:01:36","slug":"how-to-choose-a-home-inspector-a-playbook-for-investors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.adamsauctionserv.com\/index.php\/2025\/03\/14\/how-to-choose-a-home-inspector-a-playbook-for-investors\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose a Home Inspector: A Playbook for Investors"},"content":{"rendered":"

To ensure a property is a wise investment and free from costly surprises, you should hire a professional home inspector to complete a thorough evaluation. High-quality inspectors are detail-oriented and communicative, maintain the required licenses, and have experience inspecting buildings of your property type. Below, I go through the process of how to choose a home inspector, what to look for, how to find a reputable candidate, plus the costs associated with home inspection and questions to ask before you hire.<\/p>\n

What Is the Role of a Home Inspector?<\/h2>\n

A home inspector meticulously examines a residence\u2019s physical structure and systems and then offers a comprehensive report highlighting potential concerns. The inspection covers key areas, such as the condition of the home\u2019s roof, walls, windows, doors, foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, heating and cooling systems, and insulation.<\/p>\n

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\"Image
Home inspection example report (Source: Timothy W. Tucker & Associates, LLC)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

This examination is about identifying current problems and uncovering potential issues that could arise in the future. The best home inspections will include an extremely detailed report that provides a critical overview, allowing buyers to make informed purchasing decisions based on the property\u2019s actual condition.<\/p>\n

What to Look for When Choosing a Home Inspector<\/h2>\n

When selecting a good home inspector, you want to make sure you\u2019re choosing a professional who not only possesses the necessary qualifications to be a home inspector but also has experience. They should embody the key qualities essential for conducting a thorough and informative inspection, like attention to detail and good communication. However, given the homebuying process sometimes moves very quickly, you also want to ensure that the home inspector can finish their report in a timely fashion.<\/p>\n

Here are some of the most important documents and elements to look for:<\/p>\n

Credentials & Certifications<\/h3>\n

A professional home inspector should be able to share their credentials and certifications with you. Buyers can verify these credentials to ensure compliance with national and local regulations. Investigating their professional background provides insight into their experience and specialization, particularly concerning the type of home you are considering.<\/p>\n

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\"ASHI
ASHI and InterNACHI inspector organizations<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

Additionally, membership in reputable industry organizations, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors<\/a> (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors<\/a> (InterNACHI), can further attest to their commitment to upholding high standards of practice.<\/p>\n

Cost of Inspection<\/h3>\n

While the cost is an important consideration when hiring a home inspector, it should not be the deciding factor. Opting for the cheapest option might result in a less thorough inspection, potentially missing significant defects that could lead to expensive repairs.<\/p>\n

The price of a home inspection varies based on the size and age of the home, as well as the inspector\u2019s experience and the comprehensiveness of their report. It\u2019s essential to view the inspection fee in the context of the overall investment in your home. Investing in a quality inspection can save you from unforeseen expenses, making it a wise aspect of homebuying. Always ensure you understand what is included in the inspection fee to assess its value accurately.<\/p>\n

How Much Should Home Inspections Cost?<\/h4>\n

A buyer can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for a thorough home inspection, but additional services, such as pest, radon, or mold inspection, may increase the cost. The location of the property also plays a huge factor in the price. States like Washington and New Jersey<\/a> may have higher average inspection prices than Nevada or Wisconsin based on the licensing requirements for inspectors.<\/p>\n

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\"Graphic
Home inspection costs (Source: Fixr)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

When considering cost, also weigh the inspector\u2019s qualifications, experience, and the thoroughness of the inspection they offer. According to Fixr.com<\/a>, the home inspection cost by the size of the house is broken down by square footage:<\/p>\n

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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
House Size
\n(by Square Footage)<\/th>\n		Average Cost<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
800<\/td>\n$145-$200<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1,000<\/td>\n$180-$250<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1,200<\/td>\n$215-$300<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1,400<\/td>\n$250-$350<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1,600<\/td>\n$290-$400<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
1,800<\/td>\n$325-$450<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2,000<\/td>\n$360-$500<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2,200<\/td>\n$395-$550<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Inspection Logistics<\/h3>\n

The logistics of the home inspection process are key to its success. The inspection should align with your homebuying timeline by offering flexibility to fit within crucial decision-making windows. A thorough inspection typically takes two to four hours, which can vary based on the property\u2019s size, age, and condition.<\/p>\n

An inspector who rushes through this process is likely not providing the detailed scrutiny required to identify potential issues. Scheduling should also allow for you to be present during the inspection. This provides an opportunity to ask questions and gain firsthand insights into the property\u2019s condition.<\/p>\n

How Long Should a Home Inspection Take?<\/h4>\n

A comprehensive home inspection should not be rushed. The duration of a home inspection generally varies depending on the size, age, and condition of the property, as well as the scope of the inspection. On average, a thorough inspection should take two to four hours for a typical single-family home. However, larger homes, older investment properties, or those with additional features, such as pools or outbuildings, may require more time, potentially extending inspection time by up to five hours or more.<\/p>\n

Factors influencing the length of an inspection include:<\/p>\n