Your foundation is cracked, your pipes are leaking, and your paint is peeling. Who you gonna call?
If you’re like most homeowners you pick up a phone and dial the number of a local contractor. But, as it turns out, that may not be the wisest move. Sure, a contractor can tell you what needs fixing and how much it will cost you, but so can a home inspector… and he or she may be able to save you a few bucks in the process.
When my uncle noticed peeling paint and cracks around the windows of his house he started to worry about mold growth and rotting wood. As someone who has had prior experience with contractors his first inclination was to contact one and get an assessment. However, before he got to make the call he had an unexpected run in with an insurance agent who suggested he contact a home inspector instead.
In the end he was glad he did. For $350 (the average cost for a total home check up… it’s less if the inspector is only looking at one specific problem) an inspector came out and not only checked his leaky windows, he also told my uncle what problems around his home were normal wear and tear issues and didn’t need an expensive fix, and which ones needed immediate attention (besides the windows).
Three-hundred-fifty bucks may seem like a lot of money, but if you consider that you are being told by a professional which problems need to be put on the top of your priority list (and which ones can you can plan to budget for in the future) it may be well worth the investment. What’s more, you end up arming yourself with valuable information—-prior to calling a contractor.
However, before you hire a house inspector there are a few things you should keep in mind. According to the American Society of Home Inspectors, you should always make sure the inspector is familiar with your style of home… and it is vital that you check his or her qualifications before agreeing to the inspection.
Something else to keep in mind: A home inspection is also very helpful if you’re planning to sell your home. A professional inspector can tell you what problems exist, and which ones need to be fixed before you put your home on the market.
Have you ever hired a home inspector?
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