Are you purchasing the cheapest home you can afford? Then why go with the cheapest inspector?
We get it; we’ve been there. You have emotional time and money invested in looking for a home. You have been online, personally visiting properties or doing virtual tours, trying to find that property to meet your needs and budget. And now comes the money part of the equation; shopping for an interest rate and ensuring your credit score stays intact, that you have money for the down payment, closing costs, appraisal fee, and attorney costs. You are now asked to spend more money and time to get the property you want to be your home inspected, which could lead to more unease and money depending on any issues that may be found.
In Illinois, all home inspectors are licensed, but like every property, they are unique.
Remember, almost every property has issues, but no matter if the concerns are big or small, you want to know what you are getting into and be comfortable dealing with any concerns found. That is where the home inspection report comes in.
- Is the report digital?
- Does the report include pictures to highlight the concerns discovered? (Maybe you can’t be at the inspection, so this gives you a clearer picture of what the inspector saw).
- Is there a narrative or explanation of what the pictures are trying to show?
- Is the information easy to understand?
- Guidance on what should be taken care of immediately, maintenance items, future projects, potential moisture issues?
Here are some questions to ask when deciding on a home inspector?
- Do you do this full time?
- Belong to an association?
- Am I allowed to be at the inspection?
- Ask Questions? Remember, this is also your time to assess the property you want as a home and will be spending time in.
If you want to shop for the price of a home inspection, then at least start with getting sample reports from different inspectors so you can compare.
Here’s why you shouldn’t skimp on a home inspection.
- Incomplete Inspection: Cheap home inspectors may not take the time to thoroughly inspect every aspect of the house, leaving potential problems undiscovered. This can lead to unexpected expenses down the road, such as costly repairs or renovations.
- Lack of Expertise: Home inspectors are not all created equal. A cheaper inspector may not have the same level of training and expertise as a more experienced inspector, and therefore may not be able to identify potential issues. This could result in a missed opportunity to negotiate with the seller for repairs or a lower price.
- Limited Warranty: Some cheaper inspectors may not provide a warranty on their work, leaving you with no recourse if a problem is discovered after the inspection is complete. This could result in additional expenses and stress down the road.
- Peace of Mind: A thorough home inspection can give you peace of mind, knowing that you are fully informed about the condition of the house before making a final decision. This can help you avoid potential headaches and costly repairs in the future.
In conclusion, while a cheaper home inspection may seem like a good deal, it can end up costing you more in the long run. It’s important to choose a reputable and experienced inspector who will thoroughly inspect the house and provide you with a comprehensive report. This will give you the information you need to make an informed decision, and help you avoid any potential headaches in the future.
