If you plan to buy or sell a home in Berks County, the home inspection is a crucial part of the process. A good home inspection will assess the condition of the home, letting you know what problems need to be addressed before the home is sold, and what potential issues may arise later on down the road.

What are some mistakes you can avoid when getting a home inspection?

Not researching the inspector

Many people are inclined to hire the first inspector that’s been recommended to them, failing to check the inspector’s background and record.  Remember that the inspection is only as good as the inspector.

Here are some important questions to ask a potential inspector:

  • How long have you been in business?
  • How many home inspections have you done?
  • What are your qualifications, certifications and training?
  • What was your job before you were a home inspector? (Preferably, you want someone who was a contractor or builder.)

You should also be sure that the home inspector receives ongoing training and is up to date. They need to be able to explain the home’s good and bad points so that you can make the best decisions possible.

Not attending the inspection

There’s nothing saying you must attend the inspection, but it’s an ideal way to understand any issues the inspector finds.  Just reading the report isn’t enough sometimes.  Seeing the issues as they’re revealed and having them explained will give you much more valuable information.  Even though an inspection may take a few hours, it’s well worth your time as it could save you a great deal of money.

Not getting a presale inspection

If you’re the seller, you may be tempted to leave the inspection to the buyer. That’s not the wisest course. If the buyer’s inspection reveals repairs that are needed to make the sale, you won’t have as much time to make the needed repairs. But if you have your home inspected before you put it on the market, you’ll have more time and will have more control over the costs. And make sure to get your home inspected long before you try to sell it.

A good home inspection is crucial to buying a home, so make sure you find the best inspector you can.

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