Get matched with top home inspectors in Hudson, WI

Whether or not you use your home inspection results to negotiate with a seller depends on how badly you want the property, what you’re willing to pay for repairs post-closing, and how strong the market is in your area. If a seller has other offers to consider, they may walk away from yours if you try to renegotiate based on your inspection results. Speak with your agent, who should attend the home inspection, about the best course of action, and consider how badly you want or need the property.

An attic inspection checklist for inspectors can include many things, like signs of water damage and pest infestation, structural issues, damage to insulation and roof decking, air leaks, opportunities to boost home efficiency, and HVAC duct and air handler inspections. If your attic is finished, your attic inspector might also confirm that all of the work was done according to local building codes to ensure your space is legally finished.

You can ensure a home inspector is unbiased by doing your research. Verify their work history and certifications so you know they’re qualified to be inspecting your home. Read reviews to understand other customers’ experiences and whether or not they were satisfied with the inspector’s assessment. Interview potential home inspectors and ask how they get their clients. If they’re not dependent on any one realtor for clients, they’re unlikely to risk producing a faulty report just to benefit one agent.

Depending on your state, a home inspector may need a license. All states and the District of Columbia require home inspectors to undergo training. However, some states (such as New York, Texas, Washington, and Illinois) require state-issued licenses while others (including California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) do not.

Other professional certifications include the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) certification, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI) certification, and the National Home Inspector Examination. Inspectors can also receive certifications in specialized areas. These can include structural specialties, like chimneys, swimming pools, or septic systems, as well as specific issues like mold, pests, or radon gas. Whatever your situation, make sure your home inspector is certified to handle it.