Hiring an inspector for the first time? Here are a few things to be aware of:
1. Cheap inspections often sacrifice on quality service Many companies that are new to the industry believe that charging a low price will get them more business, but this often means compromising on quality service, putting your home at risk. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the average price of a home inspection is $450-$550 for a 2,000 sf home, so be cautious of companies offering to perform home inspections for much less.
2. Experience requirements vary by state Unlicensed and licensed inspectors without proper education & training are common in the home inspection industry because it is very loosely regulated. Some areas, like Washington, D.C., do not license inspectors, and many areas that do offer licenses only require a 72-hour course that does not account for code experience, apprenticeship, past experience, or construction-related experience. Putting your inspection in the hands of someone without proper experience could jeopardize your investment.
3. Limited liability contracts Most consumers assume that if an inspector misses something, they can file a claim and hold the inspector responsible. Many home inspection contracts address this issue by limiting the inspector liability to the amount of the inspection fee. By signing a limited liability contract, the customer is agreeing to accept the inspection fee refund as the maximum amount for which the inspector can be held liable.
4. Confusing a code inspection with a home inspection Although the two are often confused, a code inspection and home inspection are two different things. A code inspection is more limited -- it applies only at the time of construction. But a home or real estate inspection focuses on the function of the property overall. An experienced inspector will be able to recognize potential code issues, along with other possible problems on the property, and know how to write a report that addresses those issues. When hiring a home inspector, be sure to understand the difference between these two types of inspections so you can be better prepared when the day of inspection arrives.
5. A ssuming all inspections are equal Inspection quality can vary significantly from company to company due to the lack of regulation in some areas, unlicensed inspectors, and how easy it is to get into the industry in the first place. Some inspectors won't perform tasks such as climbing or checking roofs and entering crawl spaces; or invest in technology that helps deliver a higher standard of service like thermal imagers that help diagnose potential hidden defects or drones to reach taller structures.
At Pro Spex, we take the time to be sure that our clients receive an inspection that exceeds expectations, taking the time to inspect as much of the home as we can, including crawl spaces and roofs. We are transparent with our pricing, and offer packages that include termite, mold, and radon inspections, for example, so that your inspection can be as thorough as possible. Pro Spex ensures that all of our inspectors are qualified well beyond state requirements before entering the field regardless of their backgrounds, with licenses and certifications to perform inspections in the greater D.C. metro area. We train each of our employees with the amount of preparation it takes to ensure a high quality, thorough inspection, because protecting your home is just as important to us as it is to you. Call today to speak with a representative at 844-675-8851 or schedule an inspection on our website.