Buying a property in Denver can be a bit stressful. The processes involved are numerous, that’s why we rely on Realtors or real estate agents to find a befitting home for us. We can’t wait to complete the transaction and move in.
But before you make financial commitments, have you thought about checking out the house? Not just with the Realtor but a home inspector? Well, there are many ways they can help you make the right choice of building. So, keep reading to know more!
Who is a Home Inspector?
A home inspector is a person who is well-trained to detect signs of defects in a property and bring them to the buyer’s notice before closing the deal. This will enable the buyer to make informed decisions. Usually, the inspector is knowledgeable on every aspect of construction. This helps them to assess every component and system in a building.
Due to the fact that inspectors make real estate transactions a bit difficult, some people assume that an inspector and a real estate agent share a hostile relationship. This presumption is untrue and unfounded because most real estate agents recommend certified inspectors to clients.
Therefore, finding a reputable home inspector that will render quality service is an important choice to make in your real estate purchase. Their job is to inspect every part of the property, covering areas that are physical, electrical, mechanical, including evaluating the safety of the building.
It is their responsibility to let you know if the property you are about to purchase is in good condition. And their ability to quickly identify risks or safety issues beforehand is vital. This is the more reason why you need to choose a home inspector wisely. You may want to read this article to know more about the roles of home inspectors.
Tips to Consider when Choosing a Certified Home Inspector
Here are the tips to consider when choosing a certified inspector in Denver:
1. Use the Internet to Source for Inspectors
If you recently relocated to the area and you don’t know many people, then the internet is a good guide. You can search for “Home inspectors in Denver”. The search engine will automatically show you the results of inspectors around the new area.
The result will be a long list of business names. So, try to do another research, if possible, on each company on the list. You can also look at customer reviews and testimonials on their websites. There are third-party review sites that offer useful information, too.
2. Get References from a Realtor
Reference from this source is two-faced, so you require a sense of good judgment. If you know the realtor and they have always had your best interest at heart, then you can trust their recommendation. If the real estate agent has experience in the industry, they will know some reputable inspectors.
Also, they are not scared that choosing a certified inspector will make you forfeit buying the property. Now, in cases where you don’t know the realtor well enough or you just met, you can go ahead and look for an inspector yourself.
If you give this responsibility to the realtor, they will likely reference an inexperienced or less tough inspector that won’t interfere with the house deal. However, you can get recommendations from other sources like other homeowners, friends, family members, and colleagues.
3. Request Contact of Past Clients
When you have decided on the companies to check out, you can ask them to send you the contact of their past clients. This will provide you the means to find out about their experience with the inspector. A high rating from these customers may not really mean much because they may have been their most pleased customers.
Hence, there is a need to request many references. The more former clients you talk to, the more you know about the company.
4. Find Out How Long the Inspection Takes and What It Includes
A good home inspection is very thorough. This is when the Inspector carefully checks the entire details of the property. Some Inspectors may focus on just the physical structure of the property. So, if you want a detailed inspection, go for an inspector that offers such services.
Usually, the inspection takes about two hours to complete. Therefore, if someone tells you they will do an inspection within thirty minutes, they will not do a thorough job.
5. Look for an Insured and Bonded Company
The company you choose must be insured and bonded. Home Inspection comes with certain risks, and you do not want to be liable for any injury incurred in the process. For instance, climbing the attic, crawlspaces, and basements are dangerous especially if the property is faulty. So, to avoid a lawsuit, look for inspectors with insurance coverage.
6. Choose a Certified Company
Look for Inspectors that are ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) certified. Such inspectors have a mandate to follow a strict code of ethics. They have passed technical exams and are very experienced in the field. In fact, they must have done more than 250 inspections before they become ASHI certified.
Another inspection certificate to look out for is the InterNACHI (International Association of Certified Home Inspectors). They also follow a strict ethic code, and their members sit for inspection courses and exams.
7. Compare Quotes from Different Companies
A budget is nice to follow if you have one. But if you require a thorough inspection, it will cost you more. So, if you find a company that is reputable, experienced, and its references show that it will offer quality work, it won’t be a bad idea to save enough to pay for the service. Remember, you want quality and not cheap work that will result in future problems.
There are many options for a home inspector in Denver. But like every other profession, there will surely be inspectors who are better than others. So, if you are looking for such quality and professional services in Denver, you can visit https://coloradohomeinspector.com/ to find a list of inspectors for your home.
Conclusion
Purchasing a home is an expensive investment, and you do not want to get it all wrong. An inspector will ensure the property you want to buy is safe and free from future problems. Ensure you look for a certified, experienced, and reputable home inspector.
I live in a small Georgia town that you most likely have never heard of and I LOVE it! My house is more than full as I am a single mother of four & caregiver to my aging mother and uncle. Lover of all things Outlander. Goes to the beat of her own drum woman.
heather says
This was really informative to read. I really like the suggestion to use a realtor to choose a home inspector. I also read all reviews online before hiring someone.