Re: ‘Can I trust my home inspector?‘ (July 17)
Dear Editor:
Inspectors, Realtors, plumbers, even your baby sister — all have licenses and credentials. These pieces of paper cover only the most basic standards. How well any service provider functions, or the quality of the results, cannot really be legislated.
People and businesses usually have no idea what they do not know. If you don’t get a detailed intro and specific description of the services provided by a business and its qualifications, consider yourself informed to the lack of such services.
The “good guys” know why they are better. Our world, and the real estate industry, pushes “time is of the essence.” Quality seems to be optional.
Many people get preapproved for financing prior to writing an offer to purchase real estate. Most don’t search out an inspector until after they have a contract.
Check with your Realtor from the first showing. Do they have a good inspector? Do they want you to be responsible for finding one? If you know someone, ask your agent what they know about that company or person before deadlines loom.
I have a quality inspection team I recommend. They are so busy, I have to write in a 10-day inspection period to be able to book them. It is worth the wait to get good information. It also makes the wait for closing a relief for all parties instead of a worry.