Ohio home inspectors will need an operating license after the Senate Bill 255 was signed into law in January 2019. One of the licensing requirements is 80 hours of online or class training.
As a first-time buyer or looking for a new house, you need to make sure that all the conditions of the house are favorable.
A Home inspection needs a qualified professional who will thoroughly check all areas of the house to ensure that it’s up to standards. He will provide you with a detailed report on the status of the home from the foundation to the roof. In case there are problems with any part of the home, the report will help you negotiate with the seller to cut the price or make the repairs recommended.
In some cases, one can decide to back out of a deal if they feel that maintaining the home or renovating the problematic areas may be more cost more than anticipated.
So, what exactly should you be looking for when looking for a home inspector?
Read on to know what to look for to find the best Ohio home inspectors.
When Should You Call an Inspector?
Once the purchase agreement or contract is signed, then you can contact an inspector. The most important note is that in the agreement or contract, ensure there is an inspection clause which will make your final purchase obligation dependent on results of a professional home inspection. The clause should carefully state the role and obligations of both the seller and the buyer.
How Do You Find Inspectors?
Best home inspectors take time and commitment to excellence. They should take time to report every issue they find no matter how small it may be.
Below are requirements to check out while looking for the best Ohio home inspectors.
1. Certified Home Inspector
Before hiring a home inspector, request for their inspection license to validate their certification. Seeing that in Ohio, the Licensing Board was recently approved to regulate the industry, ask for any relevant certification that proves their credibility and knowledge.
2. Experience
It’s important to know how long the inspector has been in business. Don’t be shy to ask about the number of inspections they have done. In as much as certification is reliable, he or she should prove that they are capable of detecting all home buyer red flags.
3. Reputation
Professionalism is important during a home inspection, and getting a review about a prospective inspector will help you know about their work ethics and skills. Ask for recommendations from family and friends or get online reviews that the inspector does not have control over. This ensures accuracy, as well.
4. Ask for Sample Reports
A good home inspector should have samples of their inspection reports available on their website. The reports should be well written and indicate the defects, and reviews with recommendations of what needs to be done. They should also include photos.
5. Ask to Be Present for the Inspection
A good home inspector in Ohio should allow their client to be present during an inspection. You should ask as many questions as you like. This involvement will help you have a thorough report that is detailed to the end. Follow along with the inspector, and he will help with quick answers to your concerns about the home.
6. How Much Will Inspection Cost?
Prices vary depending on several factors such as the size of the house and age of the house, among others.
Cost should not be the deciding factor for house inspection. You are committing to a lifetime investment, and it should be worth your while. Therefore, use the qualifications of an inspector and professional affiliation as a guide for a home inspection.
7. Membership and Association
There are professional organizations that dictate compliance with their ethics and standards of practice. They insist on continuous education and testing as well.
Kindly insist on Ohio home inspectors who are members of American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).
8. Time the Inspection Will Take
In most cases, thorough home inspection can take between 2 to 3 hours. This will ensure that every part of the home is analyzed.
9. How Long Will the Report Take?
The report should be available the same day as the inspection or at least within 24 hours of the inspection. It should be a computer-generated report. The inspector should be able to translate the findings in the simplest of terms to avoid misunderstandings.
10. Ancillary Reports
Ask your inspector ahead of time is they can do ancillary inspections in case your home has a septic system or if the foundation has issues. Also, know if it will be at an extra cost.
A Checklist of Items that Ohio Home Inspectors Should Have
- Foundation: base of the walls and ceilings in every room
- Heating and cooling system: should be in working condition
- Appliances: if inbuilt, know how long they have been in use, these include stoves, dishwasher, fridge, and washing machines
- Electrical: switches should be working. Know if they have malfunctioned. Check if outlets are grounded and panel updated.
- Basement: make sure there is no dampness, and it has an adequate installation
- Attic: look at the roof structure and if any signs of leaks
This checklist is a guide and should be detailed as much as possible.
Get Your Home Inspection Done Right
As the real estate industry keeps changing, a home inspection should be a priority when buying a home. Work with a professional home inspector and dedicate ample time and participation in the inspection.
Have a signed agreement with the Ohio home inspectors with what you expect from them, and In case they miss the obvious signs of problems there should be a way to deal with the issue.
Majority of homes will have issues; therefore; your inspection report should help you decide if you buy the home or not.
In most cases, the report is mainly on what inspectors can see, some issues may be underlying, and this could cause future problems.
For more information about home inspectors, check out this blog.