You’ve found the home of your dreams and now it’s time to make sure that all of your bases are covered. That’s where a home inspector comes in!

It’s important to know how to hire one and make sure that you get the most out of their services.

First thing you need to know is “What Makes A Good Home Inspector?” Rocket Mortgage listed the following:

>Certification or Licensing – This confirms the inspector went through proper, accredited training, gained a certain amount of experience and took (and passed) an exam to demonstrate their knowledge. In most states, inspectors are legally required to be licensed or certified.

>Membership To A Professional Home Inspection Association – Membership to a professional association, like the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), shows that the inspector has met certain criteria, like agreeing to follow a code of ethics and standard of practice. 

>Access To Advanced Technology – A home inspector with advanced technology will have even more insight into your home since certain tools can detect issues invisible to the naked eye or undetectable to other senses.

>Detailed Quote – Your detailed quote should include the cost of the inspection and a list of additional services and their costs. They may also include referrals for specialized services. 

>Professional Network – Your home inspector should be familiar with the local area and qualified to inspect the home. They should also be able to refer you to local repair services and specialized inspection services for things like the foundation, chimney, crawl space, pool, HVAC or anywhere there’s mold.

Now that you know what makes a good home inspector, you’ll need to know how to find them to put your new standards to work. Rocket Mortgage also listed the following to make it easier for you to find a good one:

1. Ask Friends And Family – First, ask any loved ones who recently purchased a home if they have any recommendations. The good thing is you’ll be able to get a firsthand account from someone you know, which beats home inspector reviews from strangers, who may not be providing the full story. 
2. Read Home Inspector Reviews – You can typically find home inspector reviews on such sites as NextDoor, Patch, Yelp, Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor and the inspector’s business page on Facebook.
3. Eliminate Uninsured Inspectors – If an inspector is uninsured and gets injured while inspecting your home, they could hold you liable. Make sure they hold personal liability insurance.
4. Review Sample Reports – You can ask potential inspectors for sample reports, along with any expert advice to see the quality of their work – how thorough they are in their inspection, how detailed their reports are and how in-depth they explain things to the real estate home buyer or homeowner.
5. Interview Inspectors – To help you feel more comfortable in your decision, consider interviewing any potential inspectors to get more information and a better feel for how they work with clients. 

The tip is simple: inspect the home inspector!

It’s essential to make sure you choose a reputable home inspector, so take the time to research your options before making a decision.