When buying and selling a home, it’s easy to get bogged down in all the paperwork. Admittedly there is a lot! You’ll sign your name, so many times it’ll feel like your hands are falling off. But checking and double-checking each factor of the sale is important to all parties involved, especially the home inspection report. The experienced folks at Olympia’s Boggs Inspection Services know how to spot a good home – and a good home inspector.
Home Inspections Aren’t the Same as Home Appraisals
A home appraisal, typically through your lender or financial institution, estimates the home’s value based on a series of categories, including comparative properties, square footage and other features. But that process isn’t the same thing as a home inspection. Getting an impartial home inspection is essential in the home-buying process.
If you’re new to the area or working towards your first home purchase, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) has a handy Find An Inspector tool, as does the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Like the Better Business Bureau, these are good verification spots if family and friends refer someone.
Boggs Inspection Services Explains What to Look For
With more than 16,000 inspections under their proverbial belt, at Boggs Inspection Services, they’ve worked with builders, developers, banks and financers throughout Western Washington. Their service area stretches through Pierce and Thurston counties and beyond.
Marketing Specialist Heather Derrick advises buyers and sellers to ask prospective inspectors a few key questions prior to booking services. A little research beforehand can help minimize problems and expedite the complex and lengthy sale process. But inspectors cover a home from the ground – or even below it – to the roof, so knowing how to spot a good one is vital.
An Inspection Checklist When Shopping for a Home Inspector
Derrick says to look for companies that are licensed, insured, locally owned and invested in their communities. Longevity and stability are crucial, as is customer service before, during and after the inspection. And find someone who offers weekend appointments. “Availability is so important when dealing with real estate transactions,” says Derrick, “Timing is often very critical.”
She also suggests going with a company that offers clear, understandable reports and warranties after the inspection if something happens. Better yet, find someone who can provide additional services. “It’s very common to need additional inspections, and it’s much easier to get it all done in one appointment instead of trying to get multiple companies scheduled,” says Derrick.
Then comes the inspection process. Hire a team that goes the extra mile, says Derrick. “Some inspectors only use a drone to see the roof. This can be effective but should not be the only resource to check a roof’s condition. Again, with the attic and crawl space, some inspectors will rely on electronics to tell them what’s going on in these areas, but nothing can replace a person seeing and feeling with their own eyes and hands.”
Boggs Inspection Services Goes the Extra Mile
At Boggs Inspection Services, they work seven days a week and provide free quotes, so you know in advance what to expect. Their packages include home, pest, pre-listing, luxury home, new construction, maintenance, expert witness and re-inspections as well infrared scanning technologies.
And that’s just the more normal variety. Boggs also tackles water and indoor air quality testing, sewer camera scans, irrigation systems, commercial inspections and manufactured home engineering certifications.
There are sample reports available to familiarize yourself with the final product and resources like an informative blog, a list of recommended contractors, and pre-listing or home maintenance checklists for your honey-do weekends. You can even read through real customer testimonials from people in our community. With nearly 20 years of experience, they’ve just about seen it all and are happy to help with the sale, purchase, or upkeep of your first, last, or forever home.
Give the team a call at 360.480.9602 or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for updates, specials or their latest charitable fundraiser.
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