When choosing a home inspections company, ask real estate professionals for recommendations. They can offer a few names of companies they have worked with and trust in the past. Alternatively, you can search online for reviews of various home inspections companies. You’ll want to find a company with an easy-to-use website that allows customers to schedule appointments on their own. In particular, consider a company that offers multiple scheduling options and quick report delivery. For example, Coastal Boston Property Inspections uses a welcoming photo on their homepage and has a chat widget for quick responses.
To start a home inspections company, choose the proper structure for your business. A sole proprietorship may be the simplest to set up, but it doesn’t separate your personal assets from those of your business.
Qualifications
Home inspections are an important part of the buying and selling process. They identify issues that could lead to costly repairs down the road, and help buyers decide whether to move forward with a deal. However, not all inspectors are the same. Some states have licensing requirements that set a baseline of service and expertise for inspectors.
These requirements vary from state to state, but typically include a combination of classroom and field training. In addition, some require a test and insurance coverage. Some inspectors start their careers with construction or general contracting experience, while others have no prior knowledge of the industry.
Regardless of their backgrounds, all inspectors must have strong communication skills. They must be able to explain complex issues in a way that is understandable to laypeople, and they must be able to provide accurate information in a timely manner. Some states also have minimum age and education requirements.
Certifications
Home inspectors evaluate all readily accessible parts of a house, both inside and out. They look for things like structural issues, fire hazards, water damage, and faulty electrical systems. They also check plumbing fixtures and HVAC equipment. If they find any problems, they provide a report with photos and recommendations for repairs.
A home inspection is a must-have for anyone looking to buy or sell a property. It can reveal safety concerns, maintenance issues, and costly repairs that need to be addressed before a transaction closes. It is common for buyers to include an inspection contingency in the contract.
Starting a career as a home inspector in New York requires dedication and extensive training. ATI Training offers comprehensive courses that meet the 140-hour training requirement and prepare students to pass both national and state exams. The company also guides students on acquiring general liability and errors and omissions insurance to safeguard their business and give clients peace of mind.
Experience
Home inspectors look at more than just the basic structure of the house. They also check ground fault interrupters, if there are any, and whether they’re properly installed in bathrooms or kitchens; if stairs are a safe height and angle; and if they’re made of tempered safety glass. In addition, they’ll check the plumbing system to make sure that it carries water to all parts of the house and drains effectively.
Pricing
With more than 80 million single-family houses across the United States, home inspection companies stay busy examining the electrical, plumbing, and roofing systems. They also check to see that heating and air units are well-maintained, properly sized to serve the house, and provide even, quality heat in each room.
In general, a home inspector will charge per square foot of the house. They will also charge for the time spent preparing and writing the report. They may also add on extra services such as a mold, termite, and radon inspection for an additional fee.
When comparing pricing, it’s a good idea to consider the total number of billable hours the home inspector works each week or year. To calculate that, multiply the number of hours per inspection job by the number of jobs that will be done each year. For example, if it takes five hours to inspect each house and the home inspector plans on doing 50 inspections a year, that will mean 1,250 billable hours a year.