There are many reasons you may need to hire a certified home inspector and choosing one can be a daunting task. Maybe you are preparing to sell your home and want to see what items, if any, need to be addressed before you put the property on the market. Maybe you are considering purchasing a property but want an inspection to make sure there are no hidden structural issues. Or, perhaps you just inherited a home and would like to verify what kind of shape your new home is in.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to know that not all home inspectors are alike.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what it means to be a certified home inspector, what they do, and why it’s crucial to hire one when buying or selling a home.
What is a Certified Home Inspector?
Hiring a state approved licensed home inspector when buying or selling a home is a great way to ensure your inspector has the knowledge, skills, and experience to provide a thorough and accurate inspection.
It’s important to note that every home inspector in the state of Florida must be licensed (which is the same as certified). However, being licensed isn’t an indicator of a ‘good’ inspector because licensure is the bare minimum.
A certified home inspector has taken the time to meet their state’s certification standards. They usually have a background in the building trades, stay current on building standards in the area, and pass a challenging certification test. In the state of Florida, a home inspector must meet the following minimum requirements to become a Certified Home Inspector:
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- Complete 120 hours of approved education in core home inspections topics
- Pass a Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) approved exam
- Obtain no less than $300,000 of general liability insurance
- Submit an application that is subject to a background check
Also, Certified Home Inspectors must continue to meet continuing education requirements of 14 hours to renew their license.
One benefit of hiring a certified home inspector is that they adhere to a set of standards of practice and a code of ethics set forth by their certifying organization. These standards help to ensure that the inspection is comprehensive, unbiased, and meets a certain level of quality. Additionally, many certified home inspectors are members of professional associations, demonstrating their commitment to their profession and staying up-to-date with the latest industry standards.
What Does A Certified Home Inspector Do?
A certified home inspector is responsible for examining a home to identify any potential issues or problems that may exist.
During a certified home inspection, several critical elements of the home will be examined, including:
- Structural elements, such as the foundation, roof, and walls
- Electrical systems, including outlets, switches, and circuit breakers
- Plumbing systems, such as pipes, drains, and fixtures
- HVAC systems, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- Appliances, such as ovens, stoves, and refrigerators
In addition to examining these systems and components, a certified home inspector will also look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as cracks, leaks, or corrosion. They may also use specialized equipment, such as thermal imaging cameras, to detect hidden issues that may not be visible to the naked eye.
After completing the inspection, the licensed home inspector will provide a detailed report outlining any issues or potential problems identified during the inspection. This report may also include recommendations for repairs or further inspections, depending on the severity of the issues found. And remember, during the process, you are more than welcome to ask questions of your home inspector. If they are unwilling to answer, find yourself a new one.
The Importance of Hiring a Certified Home Inspector
When you hire a certified home inspector, you can be assured that they have adequate training and experience to do the best job possible for you and your family. You’ll know that you’re hiring the best of the best, a person who won’t cut corners, who will deliver a thorough and detailed report, and whose work is guaranteed.
Here are some of the reasons why hiring a certified home inspector is so important:
Provides peace of mind
A certified home inspection offers a thorough and unbiased assessment of the home’s condition, giving both buyers and sellers the information they need to make informed decisions. This can help provide peace of mind and confidence in the transaction.
Reveals potential problems
Potential problems or issues with the home may not be immediately visible to the buyer or seller. A licensed home inspector has the experience to recognize these issues, so they don’t become an unwelcome surprise at some point in the future.
Helps with negotiations
If issues are identified during the inspection, a certified home inspector’s report can be used to negotiate repairs or price reductions with the seller. This can save the buyer money in the long run and ensure that any necessary repairs are made before the sale is final. And for the seller, repairing any issues found during the inspection or disclosing them to the buyer at the beginning of the process can help ensure they get their full asking price.
Increases safety
A certified home inspector can identify potential safety hazards, such as faulty wiring or leaky pipes. This information can be used to ensure that necessary repairs or upgrades are made to keep the home safe for occupants.
Required by lenders
Many lenders require a home inspection as part of the mortgage application process. Hiring a certified home inspector ensures that the inspection meets the lender’s requirements and can help ensure a smooth transaction.
Conclusion
A certified home inspector plays a crucial role in the home buying and selling process. By thoroughly assessing the home’s condition, a certified home inspector can help ensure that buyers and sellers are making informed decisions and that the transaction goes smoothly.
When hiring a home inspector, it’s essential to choose someone who is certified and licensed. This ensures that the inspector has the necessary training and expertise to conduct a thorough inspection and provide an accurate report.
However, not all certified home inspectors are alike nor have the same background and skill sets. In order to find the best inspector who will give your dwelling a thorough inspection, consider hiring a Master Inspector. A Master Inspector differs from ‘certified inspectors’ by meeting strict requirements but also by completing over 1,000 inspections to ensure expertise.
EDC Professional Home Inspections is committed to providing high-quality, certified home inspections that give our clients peace of mind and confidence in their real estate transactions. Our team of experienced inspectors use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to thoroughly examine every aspect of the home and provide a detailed report of their findings.
If you’re in need of a certified home inspection, don’t hesitate to contact us at EDC Professional Home Inspections. We’re here to help ensure that your home buying or selling process goes smoothly and that you have all the information you need to make informed decisions. Contact us today to schedule an inspection.
