Be prepared and search for a home inspector before you shop for a home. In the current real estate market, things are moving faster than ever. Once your offer is accepted, you will be in a time crunch trying to get everything done. So, to reduce your home buying stress and avoid feeling pressured to pick the first inspector you meet, find an inspector you trust beforehand. 

You want to make sure you are working with someone who cares about their business and reputations. If an inspector doesn’t have a good website or online presence, please do your own due diligence to ensure this business complies with local standards and they take their work seriously. 

We are not saying that if an inspector has an amazing website, they will automatically deliver good results. But if they don’t have an updated website, we highly recommend checking out their reviews and ensuring their customers are happy before hiring them.

Ask a lot of questions and get to know the inspectors during the initial interview process.

We recommend you ask some of these questions before hiring a home inspector in Vancouver, WA:

• • What are their backgrounds?
  • The number of years they’ve been in the business?
  • The number of inspections they’ve performed overall, and in the specific city and county you are buying?
  • What type of inspection services they provide?
  • What are their credentials?
  • Are they licensed, bonded, and insured?
  • What’s the inspection process like?
  • What sort of report they’ll provide?
  • How to best communicate with them during the home purchase process?
  • What’s their turnaround time if you have questions about the report?

Look for an inspector with a broad knowledge of a home’s systems and structures. Even if they are an inspector, that doesn’t mean that they are a good fit for the type of homes you want to buy. Houses of different ages, designs, and materials each have unique risks and offer special signs, symptoms, and clues to hidden damage.

For example:

• • If you are looking to purchase a house in a rural area, you need an inspector who can help you with well water testing. 
  • Townhomes and condos may have different concerns to watch out for. 
  • Certain areas might have a higher chance of radon gas exposure. 
  • The list goes on. Be sure to ask your realtor for advice as well. They might be able to tell you what type of inspections you need and help you search for the right kind of inspector. 

Most home inspectors recommended by real estate agents are independent, and the referrals come from past good experiences working together. Just like Bennett Home Inspections, the home buyers are the client and we only have their best interest at heart. It is important to make sure you are the direct and only client for the inspection to avoid any conflict of interest. Finding an objective and independent inspector will help you understand fully what type of home you are purchasing and the potential issues you might experience. 

Before you start looking at the inspector’s online reviews, make sure they are properly registered with the state. Verify the inspector’s license and his complaint records. Validate credentials such as certification by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).

Choose an inspector who carries errors and omission insurance.

Take the time to speak with a few inspectors and decide which one might be the best fit for you. Every buyer has a different priority: budget, thoroughness, communication. Pick an inspector in line with your priority list to ensure that all parties have a great experience working together. 

Most inspectors can provide a sample report before you decide to hire them. Make sure to choose an inspector who can deliver a detailed and complete report. Having an electronic copy is important as well because you can then email it to friends and family if you need their input. 

Lastly, make sure the home inspector gives you enough time to review the report and are available for questions after they deliver it. An inspector with great communication skills that responds promptly will help you save time and reduce unnecessary stress. The last thing you want to deal with in a competitive real estate market is constantly following up with your inspector because they aren’t responding to your questions.