You may have many reasons to hire an inspector, and selecting one can be difficult. You may be preparing to put your house on the market and you want to know what issues need to addressed. You may be considering buying a home but would like to have it inspected for hidden structural problems. You may have just inherited a house and want to know how it is.
It’s important to note that not all inspectors are the same.
This blog post will explain what it takes to become a certified home inspection, what they do and why you should hire one when purchasing or selling a house.
What is a certified home inspector?
When buying or selling a house, hiring a licensed state-approved home inspector is an excellent way to ensure that your inspector has all the necessary knowledge, skills and experience to conduct a thorough inspection.
In Florida, every home inspector must be certified (which is the exact same thing as licensed). Being licensed does not mean that an inspector is a good one. This is because licensing is merely the minimum requirement.
A certified home inspection has met the certification standards of their state. They have experience in the building industry, are up-to-date on the local building codes, and must pass a rigorous certification test. To become a certified home inspector in Florida, the home inspector must first meet the minimum requirements:
- Completion of 120 hours approved education on core topics in home inspections
- Exam approved by the Department of Business & Professional Regulation.
- Get at least $300,000 in general liability insurance
- Submit a form that will be subject to a background investigation
For the renewal of their license, Certified Home Inspectors also need to continue meeting continuing education requirements.
Hiring a certified home inspection is a great way to ensure that the inspector adheres to a code ethics and standards of practice set by their certifying body. These standards ensure that the inspection will be thorough, impartial, and meet a certain standard of quality. Many certified home inspectors belong to professional associations. This shows their dedication to their profession, and keeps them up-to date with industry standards.
What is the role of a certified home inspector?
An inspector certified in home inspection is responsible for inspecting a house to determine if there are any issues or potential problems.
During an inspection of a home, you will examine several important elements, such as:
- The foundation, roof and walls are structural elements
- Electrical systems including switches, outlets and circuit breakers
- Plumbing systems such as pipes and drains
- HVAC systems include heating, ventilation and air conditioning
- Appliances such as stoves, ovens and refrigerators
A certified home inspector will not only examine these systems and components but also search for signs of wear and tear such as leaks, corrosion, cracks and other damage. The inspectors may use thermal imaging cameras or other specialized equipment to detect hidden problems that are not visible with the naked eye.
The licensed home inspector will then provide a report detailing any issues or problems that were identified during the inspection. Depending on the severity, the report may include recommendations for repairs and/or further inspections. You are welcome to ask your home inspector questions during the inspection process. Find a new home inspector if they refuse to answer.
Why You Should Hire a Certified Home Inspection Service
You can rest assured that a certified home inspection will do a thorough job for you and your loved ones. You will know you are hiring a professional who is not going to cut corners and who will provide a detailed and thorough report.
Here are some reasons why it is important to hire a home inspector:
Peace of mind
Certified home inspections provide a comprehensive and unbiased assessment on the condition of a home, providing both buyers and seller with the information needed to make an informed decision. This can provide peace of mind, and help to build confidence in a transaction.
Potential problems revealed
The buyer or seller may not immediately notice any potential problems. Home inspectors are trained to identify these problems, so that they do not become a surprise in the future.
Negotiation Help
A certified home inspector’s report may be used by the buyer to negotiate price reductions or repairs with the seller if issues are found during the inspection. The buyer can save money by ensuring that all repairs are completed before the final sale. For the seller, fixing any problems found during the inspection and disclosing these to the buyer can help them get the full price they are asking for.
Safety is increased
Home inspectors are trained to identify safety hazards such as leaky pipes or faulty wiring. The information provided can be used to make necessary repairs and upgrades to the home to keep its occupants safe.
Requirements of lenders
As part of the application process for a mortgage, many lenders require that a home inspection be performed. Hiring a certified inspector will ensure that the inspection is in line with the lender’s specifications and ensure a smooth transaction.
The conclusion of the article is:
Home inspectors play a vital role in the buying and selling of homes. A certified home inspector will thoroughly assess the condition of the house to ensure that both buyers and sellers make informed decisions, and that the sale goes smoothly.
It’s important to hire a licensed and certified home inspector when hiring one. It is important to hire a home inspector who has been certified and licensed.
Not all home inspectors have the same qualifications or experience. Consider hiring a Master inspector to ensure that your home is thoroughly inspected. Master Inspectors are different from certified inspectors because they have to meet strict requirements and also complete over 1,000 inspections.
Arrowpoint Home Inspections provides certified, high-quality home inspections to give our clients confidence and peace of mind in their real estate transaction. Our experienced inspectors utilize the latest equipment and techniques to examine each aspect of the house and produce a detailed report.
Contact us today at Arrowpoint Home Inspections if you need a certified home inspector. We are here to ensure that the home-buying or selling process is smooth and that you receive all of the information necessary to make an informed decision. Call us to arrange an inspection.
