The average cost of a home in the U.S. is $200,000.
It is therefore safe to say that a house is one of the most significant investments for most people.
As such, buying a home is not something you can rush into blindly. Just because a new home sweeps you off your feet does not mean that it is faultless. Sometimes, faults are not apparent.
This highlights the need for a home inspection.
In fact, most states require that the purchase and sales agreement to include a clause that allows you the right to have the home you are looking to buy inspected.
If it is not to your satisfaction, you should get a full refund on your deposit.
To ensure that you are getting the best deal possible, it is important that you work with a licensed home inspector. This article will discuss why it is important to check for a home inspector license when dealing with contractors.
Why You Should Check for a Home Inspector License
It would seem obvious that a home buyer or seller would look for a qualified home inspector. Nonetheless, a lot of people do not do their research as they should.
Other times, they allow the price quotation to influence their decision. One of the most significant indicators of a qualified home inspector is that are usually licensed.
Here are the benefits of working with a licensed home inspector:
1. Professional Training
Unlicensed home inspectors are typically ‘professionals’ who have learned on the job. While there is nothing wrong with that, formal training is a lot more comprehensive.
Getting a license is no easy feat; the inspector usually needs to show that they have received their education from a recognized school. That is how rigorous the licensing requirements are.
A licensed home inspector, therefore, is adept at what they do and will give you your money’s worth of service.
2. Insurance
A licensed home inspector is a true professional in every sense of the word. Thus, chances are they will be carrying their Errors and Omissions as well as liability insurance with them.
They will also show proof of these documents whenever requested.
While not all states require that they carry insurance, licensed inspectors know that there are always risks involved in the job.
This coverage ensures that you will not get drawn into a court battle if something was to happen during the inspection.
3. Experience
As someone who takes their job seriously, a licensed professional is more than likely going to have tremendous work experience.
However, years in the field is not necessarily an indicator of experience; the number of houses they have inspected is.
A licensed house inspector typically inspects at least 200 houses a year. This means that they know what to look for during an inspection.
4. Always Learning
Licensed professionals are always looking to stay on top of their field. This is because as technology changes, the construction of houses changes as well. This means that they must continuously update their knowledge and skills.
Moreover, to maintain their license, they must prove to the licensing board that their skills are still relevant.
Anyone who goes beyond the necessary minimum to invest time and money to update their skills is someone you should consider working with.
5. Association Membership
As with any other true professional, licensed home inspectors are usually members of a reputable house inspection society.
The purpose of home inspection societies is to serve as quality control to ensure that their clients are always offered the best services possible.
What’s more, if you have an issue with the service you received, the society offers you a platform to lodge your complaints.
If you work with an unlicensed inspector, however, you are likely going to have to deal with the consequences of poor service.
6. Takes their Time
A licensed inspector is not usually in a hurry to complete their job. They understand that problems lie where you are not looking.
Thus, they will comb every inch of your home to find trouble areas. Moreover, they will have no problem with you tagging along for the inspection.
With unlicensed inspector, however, the cheap rates they offer come at a price. You will not get the kind of thoroughness that is necessary.
7. You Get a Report
Shoddy inspectors will typically run through your house and tell you what needs fixing by mouth and hightail out of there.
A licensed professional, however, is meticulous about how they go about their job. This means that after the inspection, they will take their time to analyze their findings then put them down in a report.
They will then send you the report through regular mail or email.
8. Advice
As a result of their extensive experience and stellar work record, the advice of a licensed home inspector is invaluable.
They know what you need to do and whether it is worth it. In fact, they might prevent you from making a bad investment decision.
9. Safety
If you already live in the house getting inspected, then you definitely need a professional doing the inspection.
Their thoroughness will ensure that they do not miss potentially disastrous areas that an unlicensed individual would have otherwise missed.
10. Increased Property Value
Realtors will look for any possible reason to bring down the price of your house when buying from your home. Thus, any faults they find will compromise your bargaining power.
A licensed inspection contractor knows this and will work to ensure that you get the most value out of your house.
If you are looking to sell, ensure that you go through this home inspection checklist.
Do Home Inspectors Have to Be Licensed?
In many states, inspection contractors do not need a home inspector license to operate.
As such, it is vital to do due diligence when choosing an inspector. By asking to see an inspection license from your prospective contractor, you will be making a right step towards a good hiring decision.
Are you looking to have your house inspected? CLASS Home Inspection has worked with numerous prospective buyers and homeowners to ensure that they get what they are looking for.
Contact us today for more information on how we can assist you.