Why You Shouldn't Hire a 'Cheap' Home Inspector
Buying a home is a big investment and probably the biggest purchase you will make in your lifetime. Even before you close the deal, there will be expenses and a home inspection is one of them.
Everyone likes a bargain, however, this is one area that going with the bargain could end up costing you more. Let’s look at a few reasons why you don’t want to hire a cheap home inspector.
1. Cheaper Doesn’t Mean Better
When you see dollar signs at each step of the home buying (or selling) process, it’s hard not to find ways to save every penny possible. Home inspections are only a small fraction of the total cost of the home buying process and as one of the last, and critical, steps of the home sale, home inspections are not where you should look for a discount.
Often in life, you get what you pay for. If a home inspector you talk to is cheaper than others in the area, you should ask yourself; Why are they lower?
It’s possible that they aren’t certified, not very experienced, or they might have issues with their inspections. Thanks to the internet, you can research a few home inspectors in your area.
This is a big investment, so you want to make sure you get the right person.
2. Your home inspector should be certified and experienced
When it comes to home inspections, you need an experienced inspector who is qualified and able to provide an extensive evaluation, and a detailed written report. And just like with many professions, there is a certification process for home inspectors. InterNACHI and CanNACHI are two great places to look to find a certified home inspector in your area.
In Saskatchewan, there are no mandatory licensing or certification processes for home inspectors, and this means that anyone can provide home inspection services. That is why it is important to choose an inspector carefully.
3. Check for Insurance; Especially for a Cheap Home Inspector
Anytime you have someone in a home doing an inspection or a repair, the individual should carry insurance. A cheaper home inspector may also have cheaper insurance that unfortunately wouldn’t cover any issues that may arise.
Your home inspector should have comprehensive general liability and errors and omissions insurance so that they’re covered and you are protected.
4. What is the real cost of a cheap inspector?
That is the real question. You may be excited having saved $50 or $100 because a home inspection is a home inspection, right? Not even close.
You know the saying, if it seems to good to be true, it probably is? Well, that applies to home inspectors too. You want a home inspector who will take their time and be thorough in their evaluation of the home. The report they give you should be detailed and should answer all your questions about the property.
A proper home inspection may not be cheap, but that cost is nothing in comparison to the thousands of dollars that you may need to spend in repairs for a missed defect or issue with the property.
‘Affordable’ home inspections aren’t a thing: Inspections cost what they cost.
After all the money you have spent during the process of buying or selling a home, you might feel like you can cut corners on the home inspection. But experts in the profession and top real estate agents would agree that home inspections are not the time and place for that.
If you’re going to hire a home inspector, do it the correct way and use a certified and experienced inspector.
The information in this blog post is for reference only and not legal advice.