Before you sign the dotted line that makes you a Texas homeowner, you’ll hire a home inspector to check out the Midland home you’re buying. Your REALTOR® can refer you to an inspector, but here are five questions you should always ask before hiring.

5 Questions to Ask a Home Inspector

When you hire a home inspector, he or she will go through the house you want to buy and look for deficiencies or anything that could impact your enjoyment of the home. Your inspector will compile a report for you that documents every issue.

With all that said, here are five questions you should ask your home inspector before you make a hiring decision:

  1. What do you look for?
  2. How much does an inspection cost?
  3. Can I come with you?
  4. How long will the inspection take?
  5. May I see a sample report?

Here’s a closer look at each.

Home Inspector Question #1: What do you look for?

Home inspectors generally look at more than a thousand items when they’re checking out a home. The things your inspector will check out include “small” things like doorknobs and cabinet pulls, whether window screens are torn or damaged, and whether there are scuffs in the paint on the walls. They’ll also look at big things, like the home’s roof and electrical systems (although you’ll need to hire a specialty inspector if you want a full roofing or electrical inspection).

Home Inspector Question #2: How much does an inspection cost?

The cost for a home inspection depends on the inspector you hire. Most charge between $300 and $600, but that depends on the market, the home’s size and a few other factors. And if you aren’t comfortable with the price, it’s definitely okay to shop around. In fact, you should shop around until you find an inspector who’s communication style, reputation and prices make you comfortable.

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Home Inspector Question #3: Can I come with you?

Most inspectors want their clients to come along, but in some cases, it’s not feasible (such as during the coronavirus pandemic). However, if you’re able to go, it’s a good idea. You can ask on-the-spot questions and your inspector can explain his or her findings while you’re both in the home together.

Home Inspector Question #4: How long will the inspection take?

Because home inspections are very detailed, they can take several hours. (If an inspector tells you that it’ll take an hour to go through a large house, that’s a red flag – he or she can’t possibly look at everything in that amount of time).

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Home Inspector Question #5: May I see a sample report?

Home inspectors are usually willing to show you a copy of a sample report from another home. It’s a good idea to look at one, because then you know what to expect (with different issues, of course) when you receive your own.

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