Purchasing a home is one of the largest investments you will make in your lifetime. Don’t go into it blindly based on the hype you hear from the Realtor or seller. You may hear things like, “Oh, I have three other people looking at it this afternoon and one repeat visitor who has already mentioned a contract.” Or “The house has been completely remodeled from top to bottom”. It’s the Realtors job to make the home sound desirable but it’s the home inspector’s job to let you know what condition the house is really in…good or bad.
Things You May Miss
No home is perfect, but buyers often tend to look at everything wonderful and overlook potential problems when they’re initially attracted to a home. Purchasing a new home is an exciting time in your life, don’t get me wrong, I completely understand. All I’m saying is that you need an unbiased set of eyes to point out things that may not be exactly up to par.
Like some of these issues for example:
- Moisture damage
- Lack of insulation in the attic
- Cracked foundation
- Termite inspection
- Heating and Cooling system
We may find things that the owner didn’t know existed. Our inspection often reveals minor issues that the potential new homeowner considers trivial and easily repaired. On the other hand we often find issues that are complete deal breakers. The current owner and Realtor aren’t usually happy with this, but the buyer is glad to know up front that things aren’t exactly what they seem with this seemingly perfect home.
Please keep in mind that the home inspection report is not a pass or fail type of “test” for the home. It’s simply a documentation of the condition of the house at the time of the inspection. It is also not a warranty or a guarantee that months or even days after you purchase the house nothing will break.
How to Find a Trustworthy Home Inspector in the Phoenix Area
Home inspection licensing is not required in every state. Fortunately, Arizona is not one of those states. I’ll repeat, we are required to obtain a license to do business as a home inspector in Arizona. I am fully licensed, bonded, and able to work in the state.
That being said, a license doesn’t always guarantee an honest inspection. That’s where reputation comes into play. Ask your friends, colleagues, and family who inspected their homes, if they would recommend that particular person and why (or why not).
Ask for a list of licensed inspectors from your realtor and from a financial institution like a bank or credit union. Lenders love sharing this type of information because it means they may be about to get new business. Make sure to double check any referrals on independent review sites like Yelp or Angie’s List.
My company, PrimeSpec Consulting, LLC., is a locally owned and operated company based in Gilbert, AZ. I serve Phoenix and the surrounding areas. Give me a call any time to discuss hiring me to inspect a home before you decide to purchase it. I also perform inspections for Realtors, Lenders, and home sellers.
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