Ask The Right Questions

Many prospective home buyers aren’t sure what to ask their home inspector in order to make the most of the inspection. Choosing the best Home Inspector is, of course, essential to being sure you get a thorough and accurate assessment. Asking the right questions can really go a long way to give you a clear understanding of the inspector’s findings and provide a good idea of the condition of the house. Rooney Home Inspections provides certified Home Inspections to potential home buyers in Essex County NJ and surrounding NJ counties. We offer comprehensive inspections based on a thorough examination of various aspects of the house. Following are 10 questions to ask your Home Inspector.

!. What Is Covered In Your Inspection?

It is good to know right off the bat the scope of the inspection. Inspectors may have different areas of focus. Ask the inspector for a list of what their inspection entails to make sure it aligns with what you want to know. Home inspections should include structure, roof, plumbing, electrical system, HVAC.

2. How Long Will The Inspection Take?

This question will provide clues as to how thorough the inspection will be. A detailed inspection should usually take about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the size of the house. If an inspector provides a quick inspection, that may mean it is not thorough.

3. May I Be Present During the Inspection?

Of course you should be present during the inspection – any inspector who prefers you weren’t probably won’t provide a complete assessment. Being there helps you to see issues in person and ask questions. Most inspectors encourage clients to be present because you can help them understand the property’s condition more clearly.

4. Qualifications and Experience

Ask about the inspector’s qualifications, certifications and experience. An inspector with more experience and proper credentials can provide a more reliable and complete inspection. It is also better if an inspector is a member of professional organizations, and one who follows industry standards.

5. Can You Provide References From Past Clients?

Ask for references from past clients to better be aware of the inspector’s reputation and reliability. Speaking with previous inspection clients can provide insights into the inspector’s professionalism.

6. What Do You Find Most Often?

Ask the inspector about the most common issues they uncover during inspections. This may give you a sense of what might be specific to the area or the type of home you are contemplating purchasing.

7. Do You Provide Repair Estimates?

Some inspectors may provide a rough estimate of repair costs for specific issues. While these won’t necessarily be exact, they can help you be aware of the potential cost of necessary repairs.

8. What Issues Should I Especially Focus On?

A good inspector will make you aware of key findings and help you understand those issues that are most critical. Knowing what the inspector considers the most important findings can help prioritize repairs or the negotiations with the seller.

9. Will You Provide Follow-Up Inspections?

If the inspection uncovers issues that need to be repaired, ask if the inspector will perform a follow-up inspection to verify that the repairs have been made. This will give you peace of mind before going ahead with the purchase.

10. How Do You Stay Up-To-Date With Industry Standards?

The home inspection industry constantly evolves with new technologies, techniques and standards. It is essential to hire an inspector who is current with best practices. You want to know how they stay up-to-date with skills and knowledge, giving you assurance that you will receive an up-to-date inspection.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask The Right Questions

Posing the right questions during a home inspection can make a big difference in understanding the condition of the property. These questions can help you gauge the inspector’s experience, thoroughness and attention to detail, thus giving you the most accurate inspection. Being informed will better equip you to make more confident decisions and negotiate more effectively.

Rooney Home Inspections offers certified Home Inspections to buyers as well as sellers of homes in NJ. Our goal is for you to be well prepared to negotiate for the best price, and to enjoy the home for years to come, or to be happy with the sale price and move on. And whether the need is for a NJ Home Inspection, NJ Building Inspection, NJ Oil Tank Sweep Inspection, NJ Old/Vintage Home Inspection, NJ Termite Inspection and/or a NJ Radon Inspection Rooney Home Inspections is ready to inspect and build the necessary report!