Buying a home is a big decision. The right home inspector can help make the decision-making process easier.
But, not all home inspectors are created equal. Some will only provide a general overview of a home’s condition while others may neglect to verify the condition of a home’s major structure.
Needless to say, you want a home inspector who will go above and beyond to help you make the right choice. Here are some things to consider when hiring a home inspector in Ocala.
Read Reviews
What are other local residents saying about the company? It’s a good idea to hop on Google to read reviews of what others have to say about their experience with the home inspector.
Be sure to check out both the good and bad reviews! You want to get a full picture of how others perceive a home inspector before you work with them. That way you can feel confident you’re hiring someone who is committed to getting great feedback by providing exceptional service and support.
Of course, if a company has lackluster reviews or more negative comments than positive, it’s a good idea to look elsewhere.
View A Sample Report
Before you hire a home inspector, ask them to see a sample home inspection report. They should have no problem providing a glimpse of what you can expect to receive when you work with them.
When viewing the sample report, take note of how the home inspector identifies defects and how easy the report is to understand.
You want to avoid any home inspector that doesn’t provide a comprehensive overview of a home or lacks picture proof to illustrate potential issues in a home.
Ask What They Inspect
Make sure you always ask what exactly the home inspector will actually inspect while at the property.
Some important areas to address include:
- Do you get on the roof?
- Will you access the crawlspace?
- Can you go up into the attic?
These areas often have “hidden” defects that will go unnoticed if an inspector doesn’t go looking for them. Always hire an inspector that actually walks the roof, inspects the attic and enter the crawlspace.
Identify Any Tools They Use
An inspector shouldn’t rely on their eyes alone to identify defects in a home. Don’t be afraid to ask a home inspector what tools they use throughout the course of a residential home inspection.
Common tools that can assist in defect identification include:
- Moisture meter
- Thermal imaging camera
- GFCI outlet tester
- Thermometer
- Voltage Detector
- Ladder
- Face mask
When a home inspector turns to tools to assist their inspection, it indicates they are trying to provide the most accurate picture of a home’s condition. These tools can help show water damage, electrical issues, past repairs and signs of deterioration that would otherwise be unapparent.
Hire An Ocala Home Inspector With Confidence
Here at Perspective Home Inspections, we encourage our potential clients to read our reviews, view a sample home inspection report and ask us as many questions as they’d like before they hire us.
Our owner, Joshua Whitney, is happy to take the time to speak with you and address any questions you have. That’s what makes us different from other home inspection companies in Ocala and Marion County.