Home Inspectors Find Hidden Problems Before You Buy

Preferred Home Inspectors: 2025 Guide to Home Inspections Every Buyer Needs

Are you buying a home and wondering if you really need a home inspection? Or maybe you’re looking for preferred home inspectors who come highly recommended? In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll explain why home inspections are necessary, what home inspectors do, and how to find a trusted professional before buying your dream home. We’ll also show you how Gustan Cho Associates can help you through every step of the mortgage and home-buying journey.

Why Preferred Home Inspectors Matter

A home might look perfect on the outside, but hidden problems could be under the surface. That’s where a home inspector comes in. Think of them like a doctor for your house. Their job is to find issues before you close on the home, so you’re not stuck with expensive surprises later.

Preferred home inspectors are professionals with great reviews and lots of experience, and they often come recommended by lenders, real estate agents, or past buyers. These are the people you want checking out your future home.

Is a Home Inspection Required?

No, a home inspection is not required by most mortgage lenders. But we strongly recommend it. In fact, more than 85% of home buyers get one. Even if you’re buying with cash, a home inspection is one of the smartest things you can do.

At Gustan Cho Associates, we advise our clients to hire a qualified home inspector before moving forward with an appraisal or loan commitment.

What Home Inspectors Look For

A preferred home inspector looks at all the main systems of the house. That includes:

• Foundation and structure
• Roof condition
• Plumbing and water systems
• Electrical wiring
• HVAC (heating and cooling)
• Attic and insulation
• Basements and crawl spaces
• Signs of water damage or mold
• Termite damage or pest issues

They won’t fix these issues, but they will write a report and tell you what’s wrong, what might need fixing soon, and what’s in great shape.

When Should You Schedule a Home Inspection?

The best time to schedule the inspection is after accepting your purchase offer. Don’t wait. Many real estate agreements include an “inspection contingency,” which allows you to back out or renegotiate if the inspection reveals significant issues.

Getting your inspection done early gives you more time to decide if this is the right home for you. It also gives your loan officer time to review everything before proceeding.

Cost of a Home Inspection in 2025

As of 2025, the cost of a home inspection typically falls between $350 and $600, mainly influenced by the size and location of the property. Prices can increase for larger homes or when additional specialty inspections are requested, such as radon testing, mold inspection, sewer scope evaluations, and termite reports. While these costs might seem significant, they are a modest investment when weighed against the potential savings.

Getting a qualified professional to inspect your property can help find hidden issues. This can save you a lot of money on unexpected repairs and help you make a wise choice about your investment. Prioritizing this step is essential to protect your future in your new home.

How to Find Preferred Home Inspectors

At Gustan Cho Associates, we work with buyers across the country. We’ve built a trusted network of preferred home inspectors in every state. These inspectors are:

• Licensed and certified
• Highly rated by past clients
• Punctual and thorough
• Transparent with pricing
• Willing to answer your questions

To find someone local in your area, email us at alex@GustanCho.com or call us at 800-900-8569. You could also check with your real estate agent or mortgage lender for suggestions. Just make sure to read some reviews, look into their credentials, and ask about their experience before you decide to hire anyone.

What Makes a Home Inspector “Preferred”?

When it comes to home inspections, not every inspector is created equal. A great home inspector typically has some key qualities that set them apart. They should have certifications from reputable organizations like ASHI (American Society of Home Inspectors), InterNACHI, or state-level boards to show they’re serious about the job. Having at least five years of experience also helps them spot potential problems in a property.

A solid home inspector provides clear and easy-to-understand inspection reports with photos so clients can really grasp the property’s condition. They’re thorough in their assessments and will even take the time to walk buyers through the findings. An inspector should be friendly, patient, and ready to answer questions. When inspectors have these traits, the process goes more smoothly, and buyers can make wise choices.

Home Inspection vs. Appraisal

Don’t mix up a home inspection with an appraisal. An appraisal is something your lender uses to figure out how much the house is worth, but it doesn’t look for problems. On the other hand, an inspection is all about your peace of mind. It shows you if any issues could cost you money or put your safety at risk. Remember, good home inspectors work for YOU, not the seller or the lender.

What Happens After the Inspection?

After the home inspector finishes, you’ll get a detailed report, usually within 24 to 48 hours. If the inspector finds serious issues, you may:

• Ask the seller to make repairs
• Request a price reduction
• Walk away from the deal
• Get a specialist (like a roofer or plumber) to investigate further

If everything checks out, you can move forward with more confidence.

Do You Need More Than One Inspection?

If you’re considering getting a home inspection, remember that one inspection may not be enough. This is especially true for older homes or those that show signs of wear and tear. In those cases, your inspector might recommend bringing in other experts. This could be a structural engineer to check how solid the building is, a mold or radon specialist to spot any harmful substances, a pest control pro to look for infestations, or an HVAC expert to look at the heating and cooling systems. Sure, it takes more time and money, but these extra checks can give peace of mind for anyone looking to buy.

Can a Bad Home Inspection Stop Your Mortgage?

A home inspection itself doesn’t stop your loan. But if you discover major problems and decide to back out or renegotiate, it could delay the closing process. That’s why working with a trusted team like Gustan Cho Associates is important. We help you understand the inspection report, weigh your options, and move forward the right way.

Your Next Step: Get Pre-Approved and Protected

Before you buy a home, it’s smart to:

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage
2. Work with a local real estate agent
3. Hire a preferred home inspector early in the process

At Gustan Cho Associates, we help buyers with all credit types—even if you were turned down elsewhere. Our team walks you through the loan process, connects you with local experts, and helps you feel confident every step of the way.

Have Questions About Home Inspections or Home Loans? Call us today at 800-900-8569 or email alex@gustancho.com. Whether you’re just starting or ready to buy, we’re here to help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Home Inspectors:

Q: Do I Really Need to Hire Home Inspectors When Buying a House?

A: Most lenders don’t require home inspectors, but it’s a smart move. They check the house for problems so you don’t have hefty repair bills later.

Q: What do Home Inspectors Actually Look at During the Inspection?

A: Home inspectors check the roof, foundation, plumbing, electrical, heating, and cooling systems for mold, water damage, or pests and can also tell if the home is in good shape.

Q: How Much do Home Inspectors Charge in 2025?

A: Home inspectors typically fee range from $350 to $600, based on the size and location of the property. This is a modest cost compared to the potential problems that could arise in the future.

Q: What Makes Some Home Inspectors “Preferred” Over Others?

A: Preferred home inspectors have strong reviews, years of experience, and proper licenses or certifications. They also give clear reports and take time to explain things to buyers.

Q: When Should I Schedule Home Inspectors to Check the House?

A: You should book home inspectors right after your offer is accepted. That gives you time to review the report and ask the seller for necessary repairs.

Q: What’s the Difference Between a Home Inspector and an Appraiser?

A: Home inspectors find problems with homes, while appraisers determine the home’s worth to lenders. They do very different jobs.

Q: Can Home Inspectors Help Me Lower the Price of a House?

A: Absolutely! If home inspectors identify major issues, you can request that the seller address them or reduce the price prior to closing.

Q: Where Can I Find Preferred Home Inspectors Near Me?

A: You can contact your real estate agent or lender. You can also contact Gustan Cho Associates for a list of recommended home inspectors in your area.

Q: Do I Need Extra Home Inspectors for Mold, Termites, or Radon?

A: Sometimes, yes. If your regular home inspectors find possible issues, they may recommend specialists to do more testing.

Q: Can a Bad Report from Home Inspectors Stop My Loan?

A: Not directly. But if you back out or ask the seller to fix things, it might slow things down. That’s why working with trusted home inspectors and a good loan team is so important.

This blog about “Home Inspectors Find Hidden Problems Before You Buy” was updated on May 19th, 2025.