5 things people look at when hiring a home inspector

Becoming a home inspector in Rochester NY, can be a lucrative second career for many individuals. Or it may seem that way. The truth is, when you start a business and call yourself a home inspector, you need to be ready to meet the high standards the profession demands. The need is heightened due to the level of responsibility the job comes with—your report will inform the homeowner or a potential buyer of the house’s condition, which affects their well-being in the future. This is why most people look at the following when hiring an inspector. 

1. System and component knowledge

One of the first things that most people expect out of home inspectors is technical knowledge. An inspector needs to have an in-depth knowledge of the various components in the house—from plumbing to electrical and everything in between. This knowledge then allows them to properly gauge the condition of the house. 

2. Ability to gauge the problem

While having an in-depth knowledge of different components in the house allows you to gauge the condition, you need the ability to identify the problem within a system. For instance, simply knowing what a furnace will not equip you enough to be able to explain to a homeowner why the unit needs repair. Thus, a deeper knowledge of the various problems in a system is necessary. 

3. Knowing old and new homes

In any city and neighborhood, there is a good mix of old and new homes. Therefore, you can never be sure that you will only check a particular type of house. This means you need to be able to distinguish and understand the different ways old and new homes work. Having this knowledge allows you to identify the severity of problems in a particular house. 

4. Explanation skills

How well are you able to communicate your report to a layman? This is an important question to answer when starting out as a home inspector because most of your customers won’t be able to understand the technicalities of a house. 

5. Certifications that support the designation

Having all the knowledge and calling yourself a home inspector won’t do when you are running a home inspection business. Customers often double-check an inspector's certifications before hiring. This means you need to get certified according to the regulations your state follows. Having the required accreditations assures your customers of quality services (a bonus point for your business).

Conclusion

Home inspectors hold much responsibility while inspecting a house. Their report can decide how a property sale ends or closes. Therefore, the high standards in the field are justified. If you are on your way to becoming a home inspector, make sure you check all the five boxes—from required knowledge to supporting certifications.