Hiring a Home Inspector When Buying Huntsville Real Estate

Hiring the right home inspector for your Huntsville real estate is as important as the actual home inspection itself. Once your Realtor has given you the names of a few appraisers, you need to begin your own research:

• Ask potential inspectors about their education, qualifications, professional affiliations, and certifications.


• Inquire about insurance. Professional home inspectors should carry both Errors and Omissions insurance and commercial general liability insurance.


• Do not hire inspectors who either perform repairs or refer contractors. Although some states allow this, it could potentially represent a conflict of interest.


• Ask for a sample home inspection report. A good report will clearly state the problem, explain the significance, and recommend a course of action


• Ask home inspectors about the technology and methodology used during the inspection. Look for inspectors who use computers and take photos during inspections and incorporate those photos into the report. Do they include foreclosures and short sales in their comparisons?


• Find out how long they've been in business.


• Read client testimonials. Do they have testimonials from three delighted clients, or thirty?


• Read about their resumes and ask about their experience.


• Be sure that they are familiar your community and have done previous appraisals there.


• Assess the appraiser's experience with your type of Huntsville real estate.