Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you find the best home inspectors in Phoenix to thoroughly inspect the home before you purchase it. A professional home inspection allows you to learn about the condition of the home and potentially uncover issues that may affect your decision to move forward with the purchase.
Choosing the right home inspector takes research and care. You want an experienced inspector who will take the time to carefully inspect the entire home and provide you with a detailed report. Here are some tips on how to find and choose the best home inspectors in Phoenix:
Do Your Research
Start your search for the best home inspectors in phoenix online and through referrals. Search for inspectors in your area and browse through their websites to learn more about their background, experience, certifications, specialties, and services offered. Look for an inspector who has many years of experience specifically inspecting homes in Phoenix and surrounding areas. They will be most familiar with local homes and potential issues to look for.
In addition to online searches, ask your real estate agent, friends, or family members for referrals to home inspectors they have used and would recommend. Satisfied customers can provide insider information about an inspector’s thoroughness, professionalism, reporting, and more.
Verify Licensing and Certifications
There are no specific licensing requirements for home inspectors in Arizona. However, there are numerous certifications inspectors can obtain through various professional organizations that indicate their proficiency and expertise. Look for an inspector who holds certifications from reputable bodies like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). These certifications require experience, testing, and continuing education.
You also want to make sure any home inspector you consider has adequate errors and omissions insurance, as well as general liability insurance. This protects you in the event the inspector misses something major during the inspection.
Interview Potential Inspectors
Once you have identified a few promising home inspection candidates, take the time to interview each one over the phone. Ask about their specific experience inspecting homes in Phoenix, the types of homes they have inspected, and the number of inspections they conduct annually. Be sure to find out what’s included in their inspection, their process, if they provide checklists or reports, and more.
A thorough interview will help you get a sense of the inspector’s responsiveness, communication skills, professionalism, and expertise. Pay attention to how well they answer your questions. Quality inspectors will take the time to address your specific needs and concerns.
Compare Multiple Quotes
Contact your top choices to request price quotes for a standard home inspection. Cost can vary depending on the size of the home, additional services, and the inspector. Typically expect to pay $300-$500 for a standard inspection of a single family home. Make sure you understand exactly what is included so you can accurately compare quotes and values.
Keep in mind that cost shouldn’t be the only factor, and sometimes the more expensive option is worth it for an extremely detailed inspection. Compare factors like experience, certifications, services, reputation, and responsiveness along with cost to choose the best value.
Read Reviews
Reviews from past clients can provide valuable insight into inspectors’ quality of work, professionalism, reporting thoroughness, and more. Search online for ratings and reviews of the Phoenix home inspectors you’re considering. Pay attention to any concerning patterns or consistencies in the reviews. No inspector will be perfect, but you want to identify any red flags.
If an inspector doesn’t have online reviews, ask for references you can contact. Speaking directly to past clients to hear about their experiences is extremely informative.
Consider Specialties or Areas of Expertise
While most home inspectors have general expertise in examining all areas of a home, some specialize in certain systems like electrical, plumbing, foundations, or roofing. If the home you’re considering purchasing is older or you have specific concerns about certain systems, it may be wise to hire an inspector with targeted expertise in those areas.
For example, a Licensed Roof Inspector (LRI) certified by Haag Engineering can provide an extremely comprehensive assessment of the roof’s condition. This might provide valuable peace of mind for an older home. Consider specialties that align with aspects most important to your home purchase.
Confirm They Will Be Conducting the Inspection
Sometimes home inspection companies will have you book with one inspector but send out whoever is available that day instead. Confirm with the company ahead of time that the actual inspector you interview and book with will be the one conducting the inspection. You want to ensure the person inspecting the home has the background, experience, and expertise you were expecting.
Also verify they work alone and aren’t sending any trainees who aren’t certified inspectors along with them. The inspection should be conducted solely by the professional you booked.
Read the Inspection Agreement
Before booking an inspection, ask to see a copy of the inspector’s service agreement and read it carefully. This will provide more details on what’s included in the inspection, any disclaimers or liability limits, timelines for receiving your report, and other terms and conditions. Make sure you understand and are comfortable with everything outlined in the agreement.
Consider a Specialized Inspection
Most home purchase inspections are general whole home inspections meant to provide an overview of the home’s overall condition. These inspections cover major systems like the roof, foundation, electrical, heating and cooling, plumbing, etc.
However, as an extra level of protection, you may want to consider specialized inspections that go more in-depth on key components:
- Roof inspection: Examine age, condition, and remaining life of the roof.
- Foundation inspection: Assess signs of settling, cracks, and structural integrity.
- Termite inspection: Check for wood destroying insects and conditions conducive to termites.
- Mold inspection: Inspect home for visible and hidden mold problems.
- Radon inspection: Test air for levels of radioactive radon gas.
While pricier, these targeted specialized inspections can uncover issues that may be missed in a standard inspection. They might be worth the added cost, especially for older homes or homes with components you have specific concerns about.
Ask Lots of Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask your home inspector plenty of questions before, during, and after the inspection. A quality inspector will gladly answer any questions you have and take time to explain things you don’t understand. Being able to freely discuss the home’s condition and inspection findings is just as important as the inspection itself.
Make sure to ask about any areas of concern, seek clarification on the severity of issues uncovered, and request advice on next steps regarding repairs or further evaluation from specialists. Thorough communication ensures you have a complete understanding of the home you’re looking to purchase.
Understand How They Handle Major Issues
Serious defects uncovered during an inspection require special attention. Ask potential inspectors ahead of time how they handle communicating major issues like active roof leaks, foundation cracks, moisture and mold problems, electrical hazards, or any safety concerns if found.
Quality inspectors will adhere to strict ethics and protocols. This includes urgent communication of any major issues that could impact your evaluation of the property. The right inspector has systems in place to ensure problems get reported to you immediately.
Consider Additional Services
Standard home inspections generally provide a visual examination of accessible systems and components. Additional services like sewer scopes, HVAC testing, water testing, and infrared scans can further investigate hidden issues and provide valuable data.
Discuss options with your inspector to determine if any additional services might be recommended for the specific home you’re considering purchasing. While the extra costs add up, they can uncover serious defects not visible through a standard visual inspection.
Preparing for the Home Inspection
Once you’ve chosen a trustworthy home inspector, make sure you’re prepared for the big day. Here are some tips on getting ready for the inspection:
Be Present for the Inspection
Plan to be present when the home inspector conducts their inspection. This allows you to observe their process, ask questions, and immediately discuss any issues they uncover. Tagging along also shows you where all the home’s systems and components are located.
Declutter Beforehand
A cluttered and dirty home makes inspection more difficult. Clear out excess furniture, rugs, stored items, overgrown plants, and other obstructions as much as possible so the inspector has easy access. Pay special attention to attics, crawl spaces, cabinets, and closets. A clean house facilitates a thorough inspection.
Have All Utilities Turned On
Inspectors need access to electricity, water, gas, and appliances to fully test functionality. Contact the appropriate companies to have all utilities activated a few days before the inspection.
Get Permission for Destructive Testing
Inspections are generally non-invasive and don’t damage property. But certain tests like checking wall insulation density do require small holes. Review what tasks the inspector recommends and get seller permission for minor destructive testing in advance.
Secure Pets Beforehand
To allow inspectors free range of the home without disruptions, make sure pets are secured or out of the house during the inspection. Notify the inspector of any aggressive animals on the property.
Review the Inspection Checklist
Ask your inspector for a sample inspection checklist so you know what all will be examined. Use this to make sure areas like the attic and crawlspace are accessible. Understanding the scope prevents surprise when the inspector needs access to certain areas.
Have Your Own Questions Ready
Inspectors focus on evaluating code and identifying issues. Come prepared with your own list of questions and concerns you want the inspector to look into based on age of the home, previous owners, or other factors.
Take Photos and Notes
Even with the inspector’s report, take your own photos and notes documenting issues found. This creates a helpful visual reference and captures details that are helpful during contract negotiations.
Thorough preparation ensures the inspection process goes smoothly!
What to Expect During the Home Inspection
A home inspection provides valuable insights into the current condition of the property. Here’s a quick rundown of how a standard home inspection typically goes:
- Inspector will begin with the exterior of the home checking the roof, gutters, drainage, siding, windows, and exterior outlets.
- Accessible electrical components like panels, wiring, and fixtures will be examined for safety issues and code violations.
- Plumbing systems and all fixtures will be evaluated for proper function, leaks, water pressure, and signs of damage.
- Heating, cooling, and ventilation systems are tested for age, capacity, and normal operation.
- Interior rooms, ceilings, walls, floors, windows, doors, and built-in appliances undergo close examination.
- Inspector looks for water intrusion, stains, damage, or other problems in bathrooms.
- Kitchen appliances are switched on to confirm normal operation. Cabinets and countertops inspected.
- Garage door mechanisms are tested along with automatic openers. Fire separation also checked.
- Attic, insulation, ventilation, and framing scrutinized for moisture issues or improper repairs.
- Foundation, basement, and crawlspace checked for cracks, moisture signs, and structural concerns.
- An inspection takes 2-3 hours for a typical single family home depending on size and age.
Your attendance allows you to witness the inspection process and ask questions. Videotaping the inspection is also a great way to document issues.
Overall, a home inspection aims to uncover any deficiencies, code violations, safety hazards, or problems requiring repair. The findings are then documented in a detailed report.