How important is it to hire a home inspector before buying your dream house? It’s so important that many people who don’t hire an inspector don’t purchase the home they were looking at. To protect yourself and your investment, you should ensure that everything about the home is as it should be before signing on the dotted line. A trained and experienced property inspector can do that for you, ensuring that you are paying what you think you are paying and getting what you think you are getting in your new house. Here are three reasons why you should hire a home inspector before buying your next home.

Should you get your own inspector or use the one suggested by your real estate agent?

Many agents work with inspectors from one company, so if you go with that inspector, your agent has an incentive to show only homes that are in good shape. However, it’s worth it to do your own research and hire an inspector on your own.

What are home inspectors?

Why do you need a home inspector? A home inspector is an expert who will come to your property and evaluate it. They can tell you whether any repairs are required. If you’re planning to buy a house in Napa County, Sonoma County, Marin County, or anywhere else in California, it pays to have a professional look. Here are some of their most important duties (link to Services Detail)

How much does it cost to hire an inspector?

The answer varies based on where you live, the size of the house and additional specialty inspections selected. Napa County, Sonoma County, and  Marin County can cost anywhere from $450 to $800 or more to hire an inspector, although some companies will offer discounted rates for multiple properties. (Make sure you do your research before deciding on an inspector; price of just one factor.) And because inspectors’ job descriptions differ wildly, it is crucial that you carefully review their credentials before hiring. 

What does an inspector look for during a home inspection?

Real estate agents and salespeople will often suggest that you get an inspection when you’re shopping for a new home. Don’t hesitate to take them up on their advice, but don’t just hire anyone: A typical inspector may have years of experience in their field, but they typically aren’t aware of any issues that are specific to homes in your area—issues related to geology, weather and drainage can vary dramatically across California. Look for an inspector familiar with properties in your area; using one who works locally will allow you to ask questions specific to where you’ll be living. If possible, talk with current or previous clients before hiring your inspector so that you can make sure they understand what’s required and have good communication skills as well.

What’s included in the final report?

When your inspection is complete, you’ll receive a detailed report of what was discovered. These reports include color photos of all issues identified as well as recommendations to address them. Most also include quotes for any repairs or maintenance you may need to address. Learn more about what’s included in an inspection report here .

What should you do with the home inspection report once you receive it?

If your report is lengthy, it might be daunting to read from cover to cover. The most important thing to remember when reading through your home inspection report is that any issues that need to be addressed should be done so immediately—if you decide not to have something repaired, make sure you note it in writing on a separate piece of paper and have it signed by both parties.