Most buyers are aware that they should have a home inspection completed during the home buying process. But randomly picking an inspector just might be worse than not having an inspection at all. A home inspection is supposed to give a buyer peace of mind about their purchase decision, but an inexperienced home inspector can miss many important details, giving the buyer a false sense of security that the home is in better condition than it really is. So, how do you tell the difference between a good home inspector and a bad one?
Ask for Their Credentials
Every home inspector out there has to pass the same test to receive their license. But why settle for the minimum? At Lakes Area Home Inspection, we are ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors) Certified in Illinois and Wisconsin, which means we adhere to higher standards and pledge to protect your interests in a real estate transaction.
Experience Matters
Of course, everyone needs to get experience somewhere, but maybe you don’t want an inspector practicing on your potential investment. For this very important decision, an inspector’s experience should make a big difference in your selection. Lakes Area Home Inspections has received numerous badges of recognition for their professionalism and experience, including Home Advisor’s “50 Reviews” badge for quality, satisfied customer reviews, as well as their “Top Rated” badge for being highly recommended by clients.
Verify What the Home Inspector Will Inspect (and Check Out a Sample Report)
Problems can arise in so many different areas of a house, both inside and out. If an inspector doesn’t know what to watch out for, or doesn’t recognize signs of potential issues down the line, you could get stuck with unexpected and expensive repairs after you move in. At Lakes Area Home Inspections, we take the inspection process very seriously. Click here to see all of the interior and exterior components that will be checked out during the inspection. We never want any homeowner to be upset about their purchase after discovering hidden issues after moving in, so we provide detailed reports with any current or potential problems that should be addressed.
Be Cautious of a Home Inspector That Does Not Invite You to Go With
An inspector that does not take his clients along on the inspection may not be the most reliable choice. Maybe he rushes through his appointments or is not knowledgeable enough to answer specific questions. You need to work with a home inspector that will take his time with every client and confidently keep them informed of any issues throughout the entire inspection. You can’t ask any questions after you have moved in, so being at the inspection and being able to ask questions (and get the right answers) can be extremely valuable. We understand the importance of this process and always ask our clients to come along to ensure that they are fully aware of what we are inspecting and the conclusions we arrive at.
Make sure you have all of the information you need to make an informed decision about that house. Contact Lakes Area Home Inspections at 262-818-0911 or 224-338-8885 for the most reliable, quality home inspections in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.
LAHI serves the entire area of Northern IL and Southern WI. If you are in Lake Bluff, Ringwood, Gurnee, Arlington Heights or the surrounding areas, give us a call at (224) 334-8885 so we can get you on our schedule