Choosing a Home Inspector in Knoxville
Buying a home is one of the most important decisions and one of the most expensive purchases we make in our lifetimes. It only makes sense to hire the best home inspector possible who meets your exact needs as a homebuyer. When choosing one, always be sure to do your research, interview potential inspectors, and seek out referrals from your friends and family. By making the needed preparations and educating yourself, you can make an informed decision in this important step in the homebuying process.
1. You have the Right to Choose Your Own Inspection Company
Other stakeholders in the transaction may offer you a few home inspectors’ names and they may have great contacts. These references are likely given with the best of intentions, but they can potentially be a conflict of interest. An inspector who was referred by your agent, for example, may be tempted to overlook problems. Unless you have unshakeable trust in the referring party, you should seek out your inspector.
2. Look for a Bonded and Insured Inspection Company
You will want to make sure that whoever examines the home is bonded and insured. This is one of the most important questions to ask when you interview home inspectors because if an uninsured inspector is injured during the inspection, they may try to hold you or the homeowner liable.
3. Make Sure Your Home Inspector Doesn’t do Repairs and Renovations
Inspection companies that sell other services such as renovations have conflicts of interest. The fact they sell other services means they are more likely to see problems when there aren’t any. Choose an inspector who only does inspections.