When you’re about to buy a home, having that home inspected is a critical step in the purchase process. Only a thorough, professional inspection of the home’s physical structure and mechanical condition, from roof to foundation, can uncover the issues you need to watch for as a homeowner and potentially discuss with the seller.
Better Business Bureau advises you to do your homework and choose carefully when looking for someone to evaluate your would-be home. BBB received 465 complaints on home inspection services in 2018. Common complaints included inaccurate or incomplete inspections and billing issues.
BBB advises the following when choosing a home inspector: Check out any business at bbb.org before agreeing to put down payment. BBB has thousands of BBB Business Profiles on home inspection services. These profiles include the business’ history of complaints and how they were handled, customer reviews and a letter rating from A+ to F.
Ask friends and acquaintances for recommendations. Look for someone who is familiar with the type of home to be inspected. Does the inspector specialize in residential or commercial property? Ask prospective inspectors questions about their professional training, relevant experience and/or length of time in business.
Find out if the inspector belongs to a professional association. Look up structural engineers’ licensing through the Missouri Division of Professional Registration or the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Registration. Be present during the inspection; the majority of inspectors will allow you to tour the home with them and ask questions during or after the inspection.
