A home inspection near me is the first step to a safe and informed house purchase. A professional inspector will find problems that need to be addressed, such as a leaking roof or faulty plumbing. They may also recommend specialized inspections for issues such as lead paint or mold. The inspection can help a buyer decide whether or not to make an offer, and can be used as leverage during negotiations.

When choosing a home inspector, get referrals from friends who recently bought homes. Alternatively, use a search engine to find a qualified professional who meets local licensing and training standards. It’s a good idea to interview potential inspectors about their experience and areas of expertise. For example, if you’re considering an older house, look for an inspector who has done a lot of work in historic properties. You should also check whether the inspector is a member of any professional associations. These organizations require members to pass an exam, honor a code of ethics and continue their education.

Local Home Inspectors: Your Trusted Partners in Property Evaluation

Some real estate agents offer to recommend home inspectors, but this can be a conflict of interest. The real estate agent wants the deal to close, so they may be tempted to downplay serious problems that could scuttle a sale. Similarly, the inspector may feel obligated to save the real estate agent money by underreporting issues. As a result, the inspection may be less thorough than it should be. This can be a problem for both the buyers and sellers.