Home inspectors are quite common in the Phoenix area; honest and reliable home inspectors on the other hand may not be. I’ve scoured the internet and put together my own little guide for finding the right home inspector specifically in Phoenix and the surrounding areas. I’m Kevin, owner and operator of PrimeSpec Consulting LLC, based in Gilbert, AZ. I’ve offered my services as a home inspector in and around Phoenix for 9 years. I’ve built my reputation as a reliable home inspector on honesty, integrity, and the quality of my work. This is the basis on which I built this guide.
Interview Questions
Request the names of at least three to five home inspectors from your realtor. Reach out to each of them individually. Always request to talk to the inspector performing the home inspection. Some may maintain a very busy schedule, so work with them to schedule a time.
The Conversationalist: An experienced and honest home inspector should be able to effortlessly answer questions. A true professional who excels in his or her career will enjoy talking about it, and that enthusiasm can be quite contagious.
Proof: Ask to see a copy of their license or at least the license number. Also ask about their background and why they became an inspector. A reliable inspector likely worked in construction at some point and chose inspection as a way to keep other contractors honest.
Guarantee: Most inspectors do not offer a guarantee. The reason for this is quite simple – appliances go bad on a moment’s notice; leaks spring up from nowhere for no good reason, etc… Home inspectors are not required to offer a warranty or guarantee, but some do offer a limited warranty. Ask for a written copy to find out what it entails, the answer may surprise you.
Written Transcript: Request a narrative style written report instead of a stack of papers with checkboxes. It should also contain pictures to help explain the issues with the house. You may view a sample of my report on my website under the About link.
Ask about a Time Frame: A thorough inspection is not a quick process. The time frame depends entirely on the size of the home and what potential problems are discovered along the way.
Request to be Present: Ask if the inspector minds if you tag along during the inspection to watch and ask questions of your own. Throw up a red flag on the hiring process if the answer is no.
Familiarity with the Area: Ask how familiar the inspector is with the general area. If they’ve lived and worked in the Phoenix area for their entire lives, they’re probably familiar with the general area in which the home is located.
A Trusted Home Inspection Company
I mentioned earlier that I’ve been in the home inspection business for about 9 years. What I didn’t mention is that I have about 25 years in the construction industry and I’ve swung my fair share of hammers. My detailed home inspection report is easy to read and understand because I use a combination of narrative writing and icons to help explain anything that may be a little difficult to understand. Feel free to call me any time to schedule an appointment for a consultation or a home inspection.
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