Learn Seven Things You Must Know To Avoid
Hiring The Wrong Home Inspector
1. Part Time Inspectors:
It takes a full time inspector at least 100 inspections to develop the eyes, ears and nose for hunting down problems. Part-time home inspectors simply don't have the time in the field to develop that radar. Be sure to ask how many inspections the inspector conducts annually and how many years he/she has been doing them. A quality full time home inspector conducts between 200 and 400 inspections annually - blind inspectors conduct 50 to 100 inspections annually. Conducting 200-400 inspections each year requires extensive referrals, by prior clients, lenders, real estate agents and others -- so there is a much greater chance the inspector is not blind!
2. Education & Training:
Being a contractor is very different from being a Professional Home Inspector. Home inspectors are responsible for evaluating all of the systems and components of the home -- not just one aspect like the brick or the framing. To be able to provide a competent evaluation of all of these elements takes formal education and training. Did the inspector attend one of the top home inspection schools, Or did he complete a correspondence course, or have his brother in law Bubba show him how to inspect? Comprehensive continuing education and training is a must!
3. Certifications:
In Georgia there are no certification requirements at the city, county or state level. Always check to see if the inspector has attained a national level certification and maintained that certification over the years. To attain a certification from an organization like the American Society of Home Inspectors or the International Code Council, not only does the inspector have to go through rigorous course training but also must complete continuing education courses annually to keep up with the latest in building techniques and keep the certifications active. While certifications are critically important, it is the combination of Experience, Education and Training that makes the difference in the competency of your next home inspector. There is simply no substitute for experience and proper training in addition to proper certifications. -Beware the inspector who has not certifications and claims it only shows that the inspector knows how to take a test. If it's so easy, why don't they have one themselves.
4. The Inspection Report:
The top home inspectors in today's business don't produce handwritten reports. A professional inspector will provide a combination checklist / narrative report. Technology has evolved where you should expect to receive a full-color report on site, with digital photographs of the issues discovered during the course of the inspection. The report should provide "Summary Pages" with specific categories like Major Concerns, Safety Issues and Deferred Cost Items, etc. The report should not contain repair costs or action plans for repairs. Professional home inspectors inspect -- they don't repair! An inspector that makes repairs should always be avoided due to the conflict of interest inherent in that situation. Ask for a sample of an inspection report so you'll know what you can expect for your time and money. After all, you are the client!
5. How Long Has The Inspection Company Been In Business:
Is the inspection company locally owned and operated or are they some far away "faceless corporation" where no one is monitoring and evaluating the quality of their work? Does the inspection company have dedicated employees serving as customer service representatives to schedule appointments and provide any needed follow up assistance or do you have to call "1-800-good-luck" to talk to a real person?
6. Ask To See What Other Home Buyers Have Said About The Inspector:
Quality Professional Home Inspectors ask their client's to complete comment cards upon completion of the inspection. Professional Inspectors want to know what they are doing right, as well as what might need improvement. If the inspector can't or won't provide client referrals, he might be blind in more ways than one!
7. Ask Your Lender For A Referral To A Quality Home Inspector:
The lenders sole interest in the transaction is seeing that You get a quality home that's right for you and your family!
Schedule Your Home Inspection Today
Call 678-985-9800 or Schedule On line at:
www.OpenDoorInspections.com
Open Door Inspections has been in business since 2002 serving the greater Atlanta area. We are a multi-inspector firm dedicated to providing you with the highest quality certified inspections money can buy.
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Customer Testimonials
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"Ken was very professional and informative. He was on time, actually a few minutes early. I was both called and emailed promptly and the follow up was good. I'd definitely recommend Open Door as well use them again."
-Peter C.R.
"We were VERY impressed w/Bob's expertise; he was extremely thorough and really cared about our questions and concerns, making absolutely sure we understood everything. I would HIGHLY recommend him!!!"
-Tracey Finley"
"I am a very satisfied customer. Our home inspection occurred on one of the coldest days in Georgia?below freezing with snow to boot! However, this did not deter Bob from completing our home inspection. I found the experience to be one of the most fulfilling I have had with respect to my home. In previous experiences I have felt patronized to by persons working in this industry. With Bob, this was not the case, He was personable and professional. He was very through and seemed to enjoy what he was doing. It was very refreshing."
-Deanna Campbell
"I had total confidence in Bob Fisher and he had good communication skills."
-Larry Mayo
"This was actually the second time in a little over a week that I called for Bob's services and I have been more than pleased with his service and results. If I ever need an inspection, or know of someone who is in need of an inspection, I will recommend Bob and Open Door. Thank you again."
-Emily Tallman
"Open Door was truly professional to the 10th power! There aren't enough words to describe my experience with Open Door Inspections. From beginning to end, my inspection was treated like a top priority. They inspected every aspect of my new home and found things that most inspectors probably would have missed. Having this information in my hands prior to my builder walk-thru, helped me point out things that would have been missed. I would definitely recommend Open Door Inspections. And, if/when I purchase a new home, they will be at the top of my list to call."
-Gregory T.
"Bob was fantastic and will be highly recommended to anyone I know in need of a home inspection!"
-Tiffani Bowman
"Very informative. He did give me a very thorough verbal report offered to give me the written report, but it was turning out to be very involved. He also was very patient with my input. they were very professional, but down to earth."
-Lynn Davis
"They were awesome. I goofed up and made them take an unnecessary trip, which they were very gracious about. So, I rescheduled with them and they did an excellent job of finding things that I should (and things that I maybe shouldn't) worry about. I have a simple loft, but they still spent hours going over everything to make sure it was a good buy. They even gave me a bit of a lesson in home inspection as they were doing it, giving me advice and pointers. I am their loyal customer now, after one inspection!"
-Spencer Torene
"Great job!! checked on things I had never thought of. Highly recommend Open Door Inspections."
"Very Pleased!"
-Ron Johnson
"Very good experience for us - bob was very knowledgable, thorough and professional. We'd be happy to refer any friends."
-Bill Graham
"Bob was wonderful, Thanks."
-Trudy Troxell
"This was a most pleasant and informative experience. It was a delight to work with Bob. We have already recommended your services to a friend."
-Rodrigo & Joyce Steele
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