Your Guide to Michigan Most Trusted Home Inspection Services

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. That’s why having a professional home inspection before you purchase is so important. A thorough home inspection from a trusted inspector can potentially save you thousands by identifying issues with the home early on.

As a Michigan homebuyer, how do you find the best home inspectors that you can rely on? There are a few key things to look for when choosing the right home inspector for your upcoming purchase. In this blog post, we’ll explore tips for finding the most trusted home inspection services in Michigan.

What to Look for in a Home Inspector

Relevant Experience

First and foremost, you’ll want to find an inspector with extensive experience inspecting homes in Michigan. Look for an inspector who has been working in the field professionally for at least 3-5 years. The longer the better. An experienced inspector will be familiar with Michigan building codes and common issues that pop up in local homes.

Some of the best home inspectors in Michigan have 10+ years under their belt. Their depth of experience allows them to easily spot potential problems. They’ve literally seen it all over the years!

Proper Licensing

Your chosen home inspector should be licensed in the state of Michigan. There are two main professional organizations that offer home inspector licensing:

• International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI)
• American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)

Look for an inspector who has obtained certification through one of these reputable organizations. This ensures they have passed rigorous exams and adhere to high ethical standards.

Strong References and Reviews

One of the best ways to gauge an inspector’s quality and trustworthiness is by getting references from past clients. A truly dependable home inspector will be happy to provide multiple references upon request.

Take the time to call previous customers and ask about their experience. Did the inspector do a thorough job? Were they knowledgeable and professional? Most importantly, did the inspector 

Catch significant issues that impact the home purchase?

In addition to calling references, look for home inspectors with overwhelmingly positive online reviews. Be wary of any inspector who has concerns about complaints or very mixed feedback. The best home inspectors in Michigan will have glowing reviews confirming their excellent service.

What to Expect During a Home Inspection

A standard home inspection will take 2-3 hours to complete. The inspector will examine all areas of the home and document any notable issues. As the buyer, you should plan to accompany the inspector during the inspection.

Here are some key things you can expect:

Comprehensive Assessment

A qualified home inspector will do far more than just glance at each room. They’ll do an in-depth assessment using specialized tools and techniques. Expect them to closely inspect:

• Foundation and basement
• Crawlspaces and attics
• Walls, floors, windows, doors
• Ceilings and roof
• Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
• Insulation, ventilation, and appliances

A comprehensive 150+ point checklist is common. The best inspectors leave no stone unturned!

Clear Communication

Throughout the inspection, the home inspector should clearly communicate all findings and concerns as they are discovered. This allows you to get real-time updates rather than waiting for the full report.

Reputable inspectors will take time to explain issues in everyday terms rather than overly technical jargon. They’ll also discuss the severity levels of any problems, from minor fixes to major red flags.

Written Report

You should receive a detailed written report documenting all inspection findings. This will highlight any recommended repairs and provide photos of any problem areas. Use this report to go back and re-negotiate with the seller for repair credits or price reductions.

Estimating the Cost of a Home Inspection

Home inspection fees vary depending on your area, size of the home, and additional services requested. However, you can expect to pay $300-$500+ on average for a standard detached single family home inspection.

Here are some factors that can increase the cost:

• Large or uniquely designed home
• Inspection of additional structures like sheds, garages, pools, etc
• Checking for radon, mold, or other environmental hazards
• Sewer scope or chimney inspection
• Same day rush inspections

When comparing home inspectors, look at the value offered rather than just the lowest price. A few hundred dollars is a small investment to ensure you don’t purchase a money pit. An experienced inspector can easily pay for themselves by identifying costly issues the average person would miss.

How to Find the Best Inspectors in Your Area

Here are some tips for locating top-rated, reliable home inspectors in Michigan:

• Search industry association websites like ASHI and InterNACHI for local listings
• Ask your real estate agent for inspector recommendations
• Check reviews on Google, Yelp, Angie’s List, etc
• Ask friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers for referrals
• Look for inspectors that specialize in your home type (e.g. condos, older homes)
• Confirm proper licensing and credentials
• Vet multiple options before deciding

Take your time doing research to find the ideal home inspection pro for your upcoming purchase. Skimping here could lead to the budget shock of a lifetime down the road. Leverage inspector expertise to buy with greater confidence.

Trust Your Gut

Even with thorough research, choosing the best home inspector involves a gut feeling too. You want someone who instills confidence through their years of experience, professionalism, and passion for the work.

If an inspector comes off as distracted, rushed, or overly sales-y, look for someone else. The ideal inspector makes you feel at ease and fully supported, not pressured.

Go with an inspector you truly trust to protect your best interests. For most homebuyers in Michigan, that means choosing one of the state’s top inspected veterans with pristine references.

Partner with One of Michigan’s Most Trusted Inspection Firms

Buying or selling a home is likely one of the largest financial decisions you’ll make in your life. Having a professional home inspection gives you invaluable insights that simply walking through on your own can’t provide. Partnering with a truly exceptional inspector virtually eliminates unforeseen costs and headaches after purchasing.

We hope this overview has covered everything you need to know to find the best home inspectors that Michigan has to offer. Do your due diligence to choose a top-rated pro. Your wallet will thank you!