The house looks great. You love everything about it, from the neighborhood to the schools to even the price! You’re almost ready to make your move. All you need to seal the deal is a final professional home inspection just to make sure there aren’t any unwelcome surprises up ahead. But how do you know which Middle Tennessee home inspection company you should trust?
At From the Ground Up Inspections, we want you to feel confident you chosen the best inspection team - to help you make one of the biggest decisions of your life. Here’s a helpful list of important questions to ask before you schedule a home inspection:
#1: PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
The Home Inspectors of TN, the National Association of Home Inspectors, the American Society of Home Inspectors or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors
are a few examples of the organizations that a reputable home inspection company will be have an affiliation with. This is important because each organization has certification and licensing requirements and members must follow procedural and ethical standards when conducting home inspections.
#2: BACKGROUND
Many of the best home inspectors are typically those who have experience in the building industry. A good working knowledge of what’s inside the walls of a home and understands the basics of local building codes and requirements is very helpful. You will also want an inspector with a background that includes a good amount of knowledge in the type of property you’re looking at, as with an older home or even an industrial building purchase, as inspectors may need to look for different types of problems and concerns specific to that type of building.
#3: EXPERIENCE
It’s OK to work with a rookie home inspector who has a background in construction or home repair. But be sure you hire someone who has, at the very least, undergone extensive training – or who will have the assistance of a more experienced inspector during the inspection.
#4: HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
Be wary of anyone who promises to be in and out quickly. You want a thorough inspection, and an inspector that takes their time to get the job done right. The average home inspection should take two to three hours to perform. A large home, fixer-upper or an older home will take even longer. Don’t hire someone who promises to be in and out within an hour or two, as this is too short a time to thoroughly inspect a home.
#5: WHAT DO YOU INSPECT?
While good inspectors pride themselves on being thorough, they are also not mind readers - or “building psychics”. Things that cannot be seen, like wiring problems hidden behind drywall or mold problems under the shower tiles. Nonetheless, an inspector should evaluate every possible visible place in your home, including the roof, basement and attic.They also must be in physical shape to access these places, even if a ladder or flashlight is required (hint: this question is more delicately handled in advance over the phone than in person during the inspection). The inspector should also look at things like the water heater, furnace and electrical box. They may not be able to tell you if your home’s systems are up to local codes, but a professional should have enough knowledge to determine whether the systems are safe or in need of major repairs.
#6: CAN I ATTEND?
An inspector who does not allow you to accompany them during the evaluation should raise a red flag. The inspection is a great opportunity to learn about your home and talk about possible necessary repairs. A good inspector will agree to allow you to come along. A great inspector will explain everything they see with you.
#7: REPORT
There are a number of questions here:
- When will my report be available? Most are within 24 hours.
- What does your report style look like? The inspector’s reporting style must meet the requirements of your lender and any other agencies requiring a report.
- Can I see samples of your previous home inspections?
- What are the inspection fees?
- What is your availability?
At From the Ground Up Inspections, we are proud of our experience and reputation. We dig deep to ensure you know what you are getting into with your purchase! Contact From the Ground Up Inspections for all your Middle Tennessee home inspection needs! To learn more about our services, prices or to schedule an appointment, call (615) 351-1922.
