Whether you are purchasing an existing home or new construction, hiring an experienced home inspector is a “must-have” on your pre-closing checklist. Most home inspectors charge fairly reasonable rates, and the cost of paying someone to identify any major issues that could either (i) reduce the value of your home, or (ii) put you and your family in danger, will be well worth the investment.

Of course, the hope is that the inspector identifies no major concerns, in which case you can feel confident in the purchase of your house or condo. But, in either case, the information you obtain from your home inspection will be critical to making an informed buying decision about your new home.

So, how do you choose a home inspector?

Tips for Choosing a Home Inspector in Tacoma, WA

If you are working with a real estate agent, he or she will likely recommend one or a few home inspectors for you to call. Referrals can be a great (and easy) way to find experienced professionals, but you should know that you are free to work with whomever you choose.

Before choosing a home inspector, you should ask the following types of questions:

What is your background? In order to obtain a home inspector’s license in Washington, inspectors must complete an education course, take an exam, and gain experience working alongside a licensed professional. However, beyond meeting these basic requirements, you should also look for an inspector who has a background in the home building industry.
How much experience do you have as an inspector? The more experience, the better. You should choose an inspector who has at least several years of experience performing home inspections in your geographic location. Also consider looking for an inspector who has specific experience with the size, type, and condition of your potential new home.
Are you a member of a professional organization? The National Association of Home Inspectors, the American Society of Home Inspectors, and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors are the three primary professional organizations for home inspectors in the United States. While not an absolute rule, membership in these types of organizations typically demonstrates at least some level of commitment to ethical and professional standards.
What type of report do you provide? Are you available to answer questions after the inspection? These two questions are critical for making sure that you get the most out of your home inspection. Particularly if you need to ask the seller to make repairs, you are going to need sufficient details to know both (i) what to ask for, and (ii) whether the repairs have been properly completed.

Contact a Tacoma Real Estate Lawyer at Bolan Law Group.

At Bolan Law Group., we have decades of experience assisting home buyers in the Tacoma area and throughout Washington. If you have legal questions about purchasing a home, or if you ran into an issue after your home inspection, feel free to contact us for a confidential consultation.