Purchasing a home is possibly one of the single biggest investments of your lifetime. That is why it’s important to look at everything and make sure that all is in proper order before signing the dotted line.
Hiring a professional home inspector in Columbus, Ohio, is one way to do this. But how do you get to decide on the right one? Read on to find its answer.
What Is A Home Inspection?
Before we head into how you can look for a home inspection company, it will be important to first define what a home inspection is all about.
A home inspection examines a property as a whole with a major emphasis on its structure, the systems within the structure, and every part that constitutes the whole structure. This includes checking things like:
- Roofing
- Foundation
- Electrical and Plumbing works
- Heating Ventilation & Air conditioning (HVAC) and related equipment
Thus, a home inspection provides detailed information about any issues in the house. It can assist you, a buyer, know potential issues before they become full-blown problems.
How Do You Locate Top Home Inspection Columbus, Ohio Companies?
Let’s discuss where you can find a good home inspection company in Columbus, Ohio.
Word-Of-Mouth Recommendations
The best way to secure a good home inspector is through a referral from friends, family, or a colleague. If you can find someone who has just moved into a new house where you want to buy your new home, you can learn about their experience with a home inspector. Personal recommendations can assist in filtering out your options.
Online Consumer Feedback
If you do not know anybody who recently shopped for a house, turn to the Internet. Google Reviews, Yelp, and Angie’s List provide homeowners with feedback on different home inspection companies. For more detailed information on home inspectors, you can refer to directories created by ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), NAHI (National Association of Home Inspectors), and NACHI (National Association of Certified Home Inspectors), which provide a list of certified home inspectors working in Columbus, Ohio.
Real Estate Agents And Brokers
Almost all agents have good relations with home inspectors and can refer one to a homeowner or buyer. Ask your agent for a referral to a reputable home inspection company in Columbus, Ohio. Just make sure you know that although agents may suggest who you should contact for an inspection, you must always do your homework.
The Ohio Department Of Commerce
You can also consult the Ohio Department of Commerce to check the authenticity of a home inspection company. It will clear your doubts about the professionalism of a home inspector.
Compare Quotes
After shortlisting a few inspectors, email or call them for quotations. Ask for their sample home inspection reports. Many good companies have no issues sharing their previous work. It will include the pricing structure, services provided, and the range of the inspection.
Interestingly, many Quora users have complained about the poor quality of inspectors’ English. It gets difficult to understand what they want to say. You do not want to work with such an inspector, so choose wisely.
What To Look For In A Columbus, Ohio Home Inspection Company
Selecting a suitable home inspection company may, at times, turn out to be a serious challenge due to so many options. The following are a few essential points that any person should check whenever they require a reliable professional:
Certifications And Qualifications
A professional home inspector should have the right credentials. In Ohio, home inspectors are commonly certified by the Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing. They should also be certified members of an appropriate professional body, such as the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) or the National Association of
Home Inspectors (NAHI).
These organizations lay down conditions for the inspection process and ensure that the inspector is knowledgeable.
Experience And Reputation
A company with years of experience in home inspection in Columbus, Ohio, will likely have a keen understanding of the local issues specific to the area. For instance, homes in Central Ohio will experience different problems than those in other regions.
Find out what others have to say about them and look for Better Business Bureau ratings. The best companies will necessarily have positive comments from happy customers.
Clear, Detailed Reports
A good inspector is not just someone who takes their time to scan over your house and then briefly explains what is wrong; they do more. Their inspection report should state the problem, if any, and, depending on the kind of problem, major or minor, provide the best way forward. A good home inspection company will provide digital reports that contain photos and videos of the problem areas.
Inspection Services Offered
Different home inspectors do not provide the same services. Some just go through the bare minimum, while others may provide additional services, such as mold or radon checks. If you are concerned about any particular problems (for instance, lead paint in a pre-1978 house), it is important to know what additional services they provide.
Transparent Pricing
Find out what you will pay for in advance to see how well they meet your demands. Stay away from home inspection companies that do not offer straightforward pricing or those that charge additional fees even after the completion. On average, a home inspection in Columbus, Ohio, costs between $300 and $500, depending on the size of the house, its location, and the provided services (source: HomeAdvisor).
Request for a quote before you agree on an inspection.
Things You Should Do To Prepare For Your Home Inspection
Once you’ve chosen your home inspection in Columbus, Ohio, professionally, it’s time to prepare. Here are a few things you can do to make the process smoother:
Be Present
It is better not to miss the inspection. This way, you can pose your questions and gain better insight into any problems.
Have A Ready List
If you have seen any issues and want the inspector’s professional opinion, report them to him. They may offer better insight.
Be Patient
The inspection process does not take very long. It is usually a few hours long, depending on the extent of inspection and the property’s size. Be prepared for that.
Take Precaution with a Home Inspection to Save Your Money
Finding a professional home inspection company in Columbus, Ohio, service should be an essential part of your home-buying exercise.
The right kind of inspection will inform you about all the areas that may require your attention in the property. Don’t forget to come up with good questions to ask the inspectors; always hire experienced experts with proper pricing structures and comprehensive reporting systems.
If you take these measures, you will not only minimize the possibility of having more problems, which will require more spending, but you will also be happy to live in a new home.
Do you want to make a smart decision about your new home? Linkhorn Home Inspections offers impartial home inspection service and a flawless and detailed report.
Our certified inspectors will ensure that the home you want to purchase is in good condition. Don’t take your future by chance; trust the qualified personnel at Linkhorn Home Inspections.
Schedule your home inspection and take the first step toward a sound and safe home.