Angie’s List: New Infographic Shows How to Get the Most From a Home Inspection

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“Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, you should always have an inspection performed by a qualified inspector, but not all states require licenses for this job,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks.

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) July 20, 2012

Home inspections are critical tools in a volatile housing market because they help buyers and sellers detect structural defects or needed repairs. But they're also great ways to spot small issues before they become big trouble.

Angie’s List research shows that the four most common problems with homes are electrical, plumbing, do-it-yourself workmanship and foundation problems. Left unchecked, these issues can greatly reduce the value of a home and allow for greater damage as time goes by.

“Whether you’re the buyer or the seller, you should always have an inspection performed by a qualified inspector, but not all states require licenses for this job,” said Angie’s List
( http://www.angieslist.com ) Founder Angie Hicks. “Check out the credentials and local reputation of the person you’re thinking of hiring."

A thorough home inspection generally costs between $200 and $400 and should take three to four hours to complete.

The infographic –available at ( http://angie.li/Q34bYj ) -- illustrates problem areas and offers tips to get the most out of a home inspection. Feel free to use the infographic alone or with other coverage.

Angie’s List Tips for hiring a home inspector:

•     Do your homework: Ask to see proof of state certification or trade license (if applicable) or proof of membership in the National Associations of Certified Home Inspectors, National Association of Home Inspectors or the American Society of Home Inspectors.
•     Get involved: It’s not required that you attend the inspection, but you should so you can discuss expectations and findings.
•     Read the report: Many inspectors provide the report the same day as the inspection. It should be thorough and easy to understand and should include narrative accounts of the inspector’s findings that are specific to the house, along with pictures and diagrams.
•     Get your own: A prospective home buyer should have their own inspection done and not rely on the one provided by the seller.

Angie’s List ( http://www.AngiesList.com ) collects ratings and reviews on local service companies nationwide, including home inspectors.

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