10 Questions to Ask Your Property Inspector
10 Questions to Ask Your Property Inspector
When you’re buying an investment home, you’ll be tasked with scheduling an inspection to make sure that the property matches the condition detailed in the listing. A professional inspector will conduct an inspection of the property before creating a comprehensive report that details flaws and issues in a home. Before this process begins, there are some basic questions to ask so you can avoid issues in buying the house of your dreams.
How Much Does the Inspection Cost?
Costs can vary. Some of the factors used to determine inspection costs include:
- age and size of the home
- Home location
- Inspector’s availability
An inspection can cost anywhere from $250-$500 depending on the location of the property. Ask the inspector how much they charge before hiring them.
Can I Attend the Inspection?
Ask your inspector if you can attend the inspection. If they say no, you should consider hiring someone else. Looking at the home while the inspection takes place allows you to gain insight while touring the property.
What Does the Home Inspection Cover?
You should inquire about what the inspection covers before making a hiring decision. Professional inspectors can conduct numerous assessments, which include everything from mold inspections to roof inspections.
What are Your Credentials?
Make sure that the inspector you want to hire provides you with their credentials on or before the day the inspection takes place. The inspector should tell you about their experience and training. You can check to see if they have received the necessary insurance and license to operate as an inspector in your state.
How Severe Is the Issue?
Once an inspection takes place and you receive the report, you might notice mentions of roof problems or foundation issues. These issues aren’t always severe and can be repaired by the owner before the transaction is completed. If you have any questions about the severity of the issues that were found during the inspection, don’t hesitate to ask your inspector.
Do You Have a Professional You Can Recommend?
If any problems are present in the property that’s being inspected, ask your inspector for recommendations on professionals you can hire. While you can request that the homeowner complete a few major repairs before the sale goes through, there might still may be issues that need to be resolved after you move in. The inspector you’ve hired should give you a few useful recommendations.
Does the Home Have Enough Insulation?
If the home or property you’re interested in doesn’t have enough insulation, it’s unlikely that you’ll know about it without the inspector telling you. When properly insulated, energy bills should be substantially lower. Ask the inspector how much insulation is in the home before going through with a purchase.
Does the Home Have Drainage Problems?
Whether you buy a single-family home or apartment building, any drainage issues on this property could lead to property damage because of standing water as well as a high concentration of pests during warmer months.
If drainage issues are present on the property, ask your inspector how significant the problem is. If the issue is caused by a poor slope, it can be addressed with the addition of mulch or plants. If the sewer lines in the city are creating the problem, you might be unable to mitigate it.
Will the Roof Hold Up for Years?
Adding a new roof to a home can cost you anywhere from $5,000-$14,000, which is why you should ask your inspector about the home’s roof health. If the roof has issues and a limited useful life remaining, you may need to account for roof repairs and even replacement upon purchasing the property. Your inspector should examine the accumulation of granules in the gutters as well as the condition of the shingles.
What are the Primary Concerns You Have?
Ask about any concerns the inspector has once the inspection is finished. While you’ll receive a written report, you should know about any issues in the property as soon as possible.
These questions allow you to be fully informed about the inspection process, the inspector’s expertise, and any significant problems the inspector finds.