Now that you have signed a contract for your dream home, it’s time to schedule an inspection. What is the inspection? An inspection is an important piece of the homebuying process. It gives you an objective look at the condition of your “home sweet home”. However, it can be intimidating and stressful. Imagine what could happen if the inspector discovers serious problems, or worse, if they overlook something that could prove to be a deal breaker. A competent, knowledgeable home inspector could save you heartbreak and possibly a lot of cash. You will also have peace of mind.

Many home contracts depend on the outcome of an inspection. It is important to find an inspector you trust. About 1 in 20 contracts are cancelled, with the most common reason being the home inspection.

We’ve done extensive research to compile this expert guide on how to find a qualified Internachi home inspectors in Las Vegas.

What does it mean to be a home inspector

A home inspector is a professional who inspects a property to determine its condition. They inspect and report on heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, water, sewage, and roofing. They inspect the property for signs of fire, water, and insect damage.

The home inspector also looks at safety and structural soundness. With over a decade of experience in real estate and more than 500 transactions under his belt, he stresses that inspections are limited to what they can see. For example, an inspector won’t likely be able to see damage if the roof is covered with snow.

Your home inspection is only as reliable and trustworthy as the inspector you hire. “The home inspection gives you peace of mind at an affordable price… The inspection also allows you to negotiate repairs with the seller prior to closing.

How to choose the right inspector

Get started early with your search

Before you begin looking for your home inspector, make sure to start searching for properties. It is important to take enough time to vet the inspector. Allowing yourself more time can reduce stress and help you avoid rushing.

Refer others

There are many things that you should consider when choosing a home inspector. We recommends that you start by asking for referrals. Referrals are sound, I believe. She says she will always recommend three inspectors to my clients.

After you have gotten names, make sure to do your research. You can read reviews online on Yelp and HomeAdvisor as well as Google and speak with inspectors to gain a better understanding of their background and experience. Although agents will do everything in your best interests, it is important to do your research and choose your inspector. This will ensure that they are independent and not being influenced by any agent or third party.

It is also a smart idea to ask friends and family who have recently moved for their recommendations.

Verify certifications

For recommendations, contact professional organizations such as ASHI and NABIE. Each organization offers different certifications and requirements. Consider that inspectors in many states must pass licensing exams.

Find out more about the company

Choose an inspection company that specializes in home inspections. An inspection company that offers renovations and repairs may be trying to increase their business by adding unnecessary items to the inspection report. The Better Business Bureau can help you check the standing of the company. You can also view reviews, resolved complaints, ratings, and other information.

We also recommends that you ensure that your company is insured and licensed. You can request a copy of their inspection report to see the quality of their work.

The best deal doesn’t always mean the best option

We says that the average home inspection will cost around $400. However, it is important not to shop for a bargain. She says, “You don’t want to pick an inspector based upon price.” “Every time I’ve seen someone shop for an inspector based solely on price, it ends up being bad for them.” The old saying, “You get what you pay” is true in most cases. Prices for home inspections vary depending on where you live and how large the property is being inspected. Compare rates to find the best price.

Compare inspection reports

The inspector will create a home inspection report after each home inspection. This document is usually at least 30 pages long. After a thorough inspection of the property, the inspector creates the report. To get an idea of the quality and presentation of past inspection reports, it’s useful to compare them. A detailed report contains photos and descriptions of defects, as well as explanations for why they are important. You may also find maintenance tips.

Find out more

It is difficult to keep track of all this information, so it is important to have a list of questions. Ask about the qualifications and experience of an inspector.

  • They hold certifications and credentials (ASHI, InterNACHI).
  • Current licensing requirements in your state
  • They have had experience before becoming an inspector.
  • How long they have been a home inspector
  • If they are insured and bonded
  • What is included in the inspection
  • What the inspection does not cover
  • How long it takes to inspect
  • Referrals
  • Is this a full-time inspector of homes?
  • Past reports: Examples
  • You can have special inspections done on your property (air quality, sewer scoping or additional inspections of other structures)

What to expect at inspection day

Inspection day is here. But what can you, the buyer, really expect from the day of inspection? It is important to be prepared for inspection. Pay attention to what the inspector is looking for. More details are below. You should bring a pencil and paper to make notes and allow the inspector do their job. You can let them know if you feel they aren’t being thorough enough.

We recommend that buyers attend the inspection. She explains that it is valuable to be able “to go through the inspection one-on-one with the inspector and look at what [the inspector] feels requires care or maintenance.”

You can help remove the mystery from the inspection report by attending the inspection. This is because you will be better able to identify the items in the report. Your agent can assist you if you are unable to attend the inspection. This will allow you to see any noteworthy findings that could be leveraged during negotiations.

The inspection will not be attended by the seller or the listing agent. It is a good idea to not have family members or any other professionals present during the inspection. This will allow the inspector to complete their task with minimal interference.

The following are things the inspector should inspect during your home inspection:

  • Home exterior
  • Roof (if visible, if covered in snow, the inspector can’t inspect it).
  • Garage
  • Basement or crawl space
  • Attic space
  • HVAC
  • Elec.
  • Plumbing
  • Windows/doors
  • Interior condition
  • Floors
  • Pest inspection
  • Inspection of water/fire/mold
  • Foundation
  • Structural components

Be aware that some elements may not be visually visible and might need to be checked. The inspector will not be prying open walls or inspecting potential problems that they can’t see.

For every 1,000 square feet, tell clients that the inspection will take approximately one hour. This is just a guideline to help you estimate how long it will take. Older homes can take longer due to more wear and tear. It may take longer to inspect smaller homes, and the layout of the house may affect the length of inspection.

You should receive your inspection report within a few business days after the inspection is completed. You and your agent will be able to review the report and decide whether renegotiations should be made.