Hire a qualified home inspector and save the drama for housewarming party

Whether you are buying or selling, the last thing you want is an unwelcome surprise halfway through escrow.

The home inspection is a vital step in the process that can save you time and money. Here are some important things to consider when choosing a home inspector:

Read online reviews, testimonials and get recommendations from experienced Realtors. California is more deregulated than other states in the nation, thus quality varies greatly.  Professional certifications like InterNACHI and ASHI are also a plus.

Read an inspector’s sample report. If you find that it is difficult to understand whether an issue is major or minor, that could be a red flag. Reports should be orderly and easy to follow.

Make sure to ask when the report will be available. The inspection contingency period can fly by fast, so the sooner the better so you can assess repairs needed.

Choose an inspector that does a verbal and written report. The benefit of the verbal report is that the inspector walks you through the house and highlights the main issues.

Ask if the inspector covers important areas like the roof and crawl space. Choose someone that is willing to take the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions.

Scott Denslow is the owner of Safe at Home Inspection Service which serves the entire Bay Area. He is an InterNACHI and ASHI certified inspector who has 45 five-star ratings on Yelp. Send your home inspection questions or topics you want to see covered to scott@safeathomellc.com. For more information, visit www.safeathomellc.com.