Buying a home is one of the most important investments you’ll make in your lifetime. That’s why it’s crucial to have a professional home inspection done before finalizing any real estate purchase. A thorough home inspection can uncover issues with the home that you may not notice yourself as an untrained eye. This allows you to make an informed decision about moving forward with the purchase or asking the sellers to address necessary repairs before closing.
If you’re in the process of buying a home in Dekalb, choosing the right home inspection services should be high on your priority list. Keep reading for tips on what to look for when selecting home inspectors in Dekalb so you can make the best decision for your upcoming investment.
Experienced Inspectors Familiar with Local Building Codes
One of the top things to look for when researching home inspection services in Dekalb is an inspector with extensive experience in the area. They should have in-depth knowledge of local building codes, zoning regulations, and permitted work. This enables them to thoroughly evaluate if any renovations were done properly and with the necessary permits.
Homes in Dekalb can vary greatly in terms of age, construction materials, and remodeling work done over the years. An inspector well-versed in regional requirements will know what to look out for during the inspection process. They’ll be able to point out any violations or questionable previous repairs that could become a major headache down the road.
Strong Reputations and Referrals
Be sure to look at reviews and testimonials for Dekalb area home inspectors before selecting one. A strong reputation built on referrals from past clients is a good indicator of quality. Search for ratings on Google, Yelp, and any professional organizations the inspector may be affiliated with.
You can also ask your real estate agent for inspector referrals they trust to do a thorough job. Some local inspection companies have been serving the Dekalb real estate market for many years. Their experience and repeat business stem from doing complete inspections buyers and agents can count on.
Clear and Detailed Inspection Reports
A professional home inspector should provide a very detailed inspection report once the process is complete. Expect a minimum of 30-40 pages covering all aspects of the property—from roof and siding to electrical and plumbing systems.
The report should clearly explain the current condition of each item with supporting photos. Any recommended repairs or potential issues should be noted and explained in a way that’s easy to understand. A vague or sparse inspection report may indicate the inspector did not do a thorough job evaluating the home.
Individuals Certified by InterNACHI
There are various professional organizations that offer certifications for home inspectors. But the most widely recognized is the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Their rigorous certification process ensures inspectors are properly trained and follow industry best practices.
Look for the InterNACHI certification when researching home inspection services in Dekalb. Keep in mind inspectors can have additional certifications through organizations like ASHI, CREIA, and NJPHI as well. Multiple accreditations indicate a dedicated professional willing to go above and beyond basic state licensing.
Inspectors Using Advanced Diagnostic Tools
Home inspection technology has improved drastically over the past decade. Thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, carbon monoxide detectors and more have become common practice for thorough home inspections.
When interviewing Dekalb home inspectors, ask what types of diagnostic tools they use during inspections. Companies investing in the latest equipment show their commitment to providing buyers with comprehensive condition assessments.
Reasonable Pricing and Quick Turnaround Times
Home inspection fees in Dekalb generally range from $300-$500 depending on the size of the property. Expect additional costs for condos, homes over 5,000 square feet, or extra inspection services like sewer scoping, mold testing, and pool inspections.
When comparing quotes, look for companies that offer discounted bundled packages for these add-ons to maximize value. Also ask about average turnaround times—you want the detailed inspection report as soon as possible to accommodate short closing timelines.
Strong Communication Skills
A home inspection isn’t just about the final written report. Throughout the inspection process, buyers should also feel comfortable asking the inspector questions and getting understandable answers in real time.
Some inspection companies in Dekalb even offer live video streaming so buyers can virtually look over the inspector’s shoulder during the inspection. Choose an inspector you can easily communicate and establish rapport with.
Experience with All Home Types and Ages
Whether you’re buying a modern downtown condo, a historic two-story house, or a suburban fixer-upper, the inspector should have experience with your specific property type. Verify they’re comfortable inspecting all home foundations, configurations, and building materials found in Dekalb neighborhoods.
Ideally, select an inspector with ample experience inspecting homes of the same era as yours. This helps them provide valuable insights into what remodeling projects previous owners may have taken on and what to expect as the home naturally ages.
Inspectors You Can Trust
Ultimately, you want a home inspector you can trust to be extremely thorough, catch all issues no matter how small, and represent your best interests—not those of the seller. Never choose an inspector recommended by your real estate agent or the seller’s agent. This can lead to a conflict of interest.
Spend time talking directly to the inspector to verify their process, standards and what they’ll be checking during the inspection. Reputable home inspection services in Dekalb will take time to answer all your questions and ensure you feel comfortable with their level of experience.
When to Schedule the Inspection
Once you have an offer accepted on a Dekalb home, move quickly to get the inspection scheduled to keep closing on track. Ideally, aim to have the inspection completed within one week of the accepted offer.
This gives you enough time to review the inspection report, request any repairs, negotiate credits, or potentially back out of the contract if any undisclosed major issues are uncovered. Don’t leave the inspection to the last minute before closing.
Attending the Inspection
As the buyer, you should absolutely attend the home inspection yourself. This allows you to see the property through the objective eyes of a professional. You’ll gain firsthand insights into areas that may need upgrades, repairs, or further evaluation down the road.
Touch base with the inspector about protocol for the inspection. Some allow buyers to accompany them throughout the entire process. Others may prefer you wait outside during the actual inspection for maximum concentration. They’ll then do a thorough walk through with you after concluding the inspection to discuss findings.
What a Home Inspector Checks
During the standard home inspection process, virtually every aspect of the property will be examined, tested, and documented. Here are some of the main systems and areas focused on:
- Roof – shingles, flashing, gutters, visible attic structure
- Exterior – siding, trim, paint, decks, patios, eaves
- Foundation – basement walls, visible foundation walls, crawl space, grading
- Structural – floors, walls, ceilings, doors, windows, fireplaces
- Electrical – panel, wiring, outlets, switches, fixtures
- Plumbing – pipes, water heater, fixtures, water pressure, drainage
- HVAC – furnace, heat pump, ductwork, thermostats, vents
- Ventilation – exhaust fans, indoor air quality, insulation
- Appliances – basic testing of built-in appliances like ovens
- Pest/mold inspection – evidence of wood destroying pests or mold growth
- Smoke/carbon monoxide detectors – presence and functionality
Reputable home inspection companies will check all accessible systems and components unless otherwise indicated in your signed inspection agreement. Notify the inspector of any areas you prefer they do not access, test, or operate.
Common Additional Inspection Services
Beyond the standard home inspection, buyers may opt to book additional specialized inspections. These should be arranged immediately after your general inspection if any areas of concern are identified.
Sewer Scope – A camera inspection of the underground sewer line exiting the home. Checks for leaks, blockages, or damage. Generally $150-$300.
Mold Testing – Collects swab or air samples to be analyzed for dangerous mold growth. Ranges from $300-$1000 based on home size.
Lead Paint Testing – Tests paint layers for lead content in homes built prior to 1978. Important for families with small children. About $150 per room.
Well Water Testing – Analyzes home well water for contaminants and water quality. $150-300 per sample.
Fireplace/Chimney Inspection – Safety check of built-in fireplaces and chimneys before first use. $80-150 per fireplace.
Pool Inspection – Checks pool shell, pumps, filters, drains and safety features if home has an in-ground pool. $150-300 average.
Read the Inspection Carefully
Once you receive the comprehensive home inspection report, set aside time to read it carefully from start to finish. If any areas were inaccessible, ask for a re-inspection before closing. You’ll also want to get repair estimates for bigger ticket items needing replacement soon.
Create a list of concerns and questions to go over with your real estate agent, attorney, and inspector. You may request credits towards closing costs for larger repairs or uncovered problems. This process also allows you to back out of the purchase if inspection findings reveal undisclosed major defects or necessary repairs that exceed your budget.
Look for Home Inspectors Offering Free Follow-Up
Many top-rated home inspection services in Dekalb provide free follow-up consultations after the inspection report is delivered. Take them up on this offer if you need clarification or guidance on next steps.
Established inspectors truly want you to understand their assessment of the home’s condition. They can explain which repairs require immediate attention and which are lower priority items you can budget for over time. Don’t hesitate to lean on their expertise—these follow-ups are a value-added service.
Finding the Best Home Inspectors for a Stress-Free Process
Purchasing a home is complicated enough without worrying about the burden of surprise repairs and renovations. Enlisting one of the most trusted home inspection services in Dekalb removes some of the guesswork from this major investment. A detailed inspection report arms buyers with objective insights about a home’s true condition empowering you to make a confident decision about the purchase.
By following the tips above to find experienced, certified home inspectors using the latest industry technology, you can achieve greater peace of mind. The right inspector will uncover any issues early and provide clear guidance on next steps. This allows the process to move forward smoothly so you can focus on the excitement of your new home.