Are you looking for a home to buy? Do not wait to receive an offer before you start looking for a Home Inspector in Houma LA. It is important to take the time to interview multiple candidates to ensure that you hire an experienced professional.
A home inspection can be your only chance to see the truth about a property that is, for many, the most expensive purchase they will make in their lives. We have some tips to help you find the right inspectors.
Beware of the Referral Agents for Real Estate
A real estate agent may offer to provide the names of home inspectors. The references may present a conflict of interests, even though he might be well-intentioned.
Real estate agents want to close the deal. This incentive might differ from inspectors, who get paid for their reports. A report that raises serious issues or too many problems can be used to reduce the price or endanger the deal. A referral by an agent might make it seem like the inspector is obligated to do the inspection.
Identify qualified and trusted candidates.
Ask friends who have recently bought a house if they would recommend a good inspector. Local online communities like NextDoor and Patch can help you find recommendations. Members often share their experiences. You might also find useful a crowdsourced directory like Yelp or home services websites such as Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor.
After you have found some candidates, go online and search for complaints. You can search the internet with the company name and terms like “complaints”, “reviews,” and “name of company.” The Better Business Bureau chapter might also have information about the home inspector you are interested in.
Be a fan of Credentials but be aware of their limits.
You can have a little more confidence in hiring an inspector certified by a professional association.
For ASHI certification, candidates must pass an ASHI National Home Inspector Examination and prove that they have done at least 250 home inspections. InterNACHI’s certification requirements require that candidates pass the Online Inspector Examination and submit four mock inspection reports to them.
However, certification and licensing do not guarantee a high-quality inspection. Consumers’ checkbook hired 12 home inspectors, all state-licensed and certified through a professional group, to inspect a house with three bedrooms. The house had 28 problems. The inspectors did not find all the issues, including a leak under the sink, roof damage and signs of rodent infestation.
