How To Pick The Right Home Inspector In Columbia
When shopping for a home, don't wait to hire a home inspector in Columbia, South Carolina.
Here are a few tips to help you narrow down candidates and find an inspector who will provide
you with valuable insights about your new home. Finding a qualified inspector can save you from
costly surprises after you move in.
Find Qualified and Trusted Home Inspectors In Columbia,SC
When looking for a home inspector, ask friends and relatives who have recently bought a home
if they would recommend the person they used.You can also find referrals through local online communities where members sometimes post their experiences.
A crowdsourced directory such as Yelp, and home services sites such as Thumbtack, Angie’s List and
HomeAdvisor, may also be helpful. You may be able to find a home inspector through local organizations,
such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the International Association of Certified
Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).
Credential Are Essential, But Level of Expertise and
Experience Matters
Hiring a certified home inspector can help you feel more assured that the inspector is knowledgeable.
For example, the American Society of Home Inspectors requires its members to pass a National
Home Inspector Examination and document that they’ve completed at least 250 paid home inspections.
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors requires its candidates to pass an online
Inspector Examination and submit four mock or simulated inspection reports.
However, keep in mind that certification and licensing do not ensure a thorough inspection.Licenses
and certification aren't always indicative of an inspector's skills or automatically guarantee inspector's
thoroughness.
Take A Look At Your Inspector’s Sample Reports
Ask for a sample copy of an inspection that’s similar to the home that you are considering to purchase.
Having a sample report can give you an idea of what to expect. Comparing reports from prospective
home inspectors will give you insight to distinguish detailed reports from the more generic reports.
Typical home inspection reports cover findings on all major systems, descriptions of documented
defects or problems, and routine maintenance suggestions.
Take Training and Experience Into Consideration
Although professional certifications are great, also take into consideration the level of experience of
your prospective home inspectors. For example, an home inspector in Columbia, South Carolina who
has been in the field for several years, most likely will have inspected and seen a broad range of homes.
This is especially relevant to older homes, it’s wise to seek out an inspector that is trained and has
extensive experience.
Know What’s Included In Your Home Inspection
By now you should have a good idea of what’s included in your home inspection and examined a few sample reports. Another aspect of vetting home inspectors is to check out their extra specialized tests that are not covered in a general home inspection. For example, radon, mold and termites inspection in most cases are not covered in a general home inspection.
