How to choose a home inspection engineer

How do you choose a home inspection engineer who won't miss a defect? Look for a professional company with an experienced engineer, one who has seen enough buildings to catch even hidden problems. This matters because many defects are complex and invisible at first glance.

Hire someone who isn't up to the job, and those defects tend to surface months later, sometimes after the contractor's warranty period has already run out.

Why the inspection has to be done by a qualified engineer

Home inspection for a new apartment from a contractor: most buyers today already know that a building inspection, or home inspection (bedek bayit) in everyday language, is worth doing before they buy the property.

Done properly, it confirms that the building you are entering has no construction defects and that the construction itself is sound. The engineer reviews the entire building, whether it is a private home or an industrial property.

This is not work that just anyone can do by calling themselves an expert in home inspections or building inspections. Only a building engineer, someone with real engineering knowledge of construction methods, materials, and defects, is qualified to carry it out.

So when you are looking for one, plan on doing some real vetting, the same way you would when hiring an air conditioning technician or an interior designer. Here are a few things to check.

What to check before you hire

• First, confirm that the engineer holds a certificate proving a completed degree in building engineering, and find out whether they have actually worked in building engineering during their career. Only an engineer with that background will know the tricks of the trade and the defects that tend to show up.

• Match the engineer's specialty to the type of construction. A building built with green methods calls for an engineer who specializes in green building; an industrial property calls for one who specializes in industrial inspections and building inspections.

  

Home inspection for a resale apartment: buying a home is usually one of the biggest purchases you'll make. Whether it's a resale (second-hand) apartment or new, a thorough inspection tells you exactly what you're getting.

When you deal with the contractor, a detailed, accurate report listing every defect gives them something concrete to act on. Choose a thorough, professional company, and have the inspection done before you close the deal: the findings often change the terms or the price.

We are a leading company in the field. We guide clients through the whole process, from the initial consultation to the work itself and, where needed, dealings with the contractor. Years of experience and a skilled team let us be thorough and catch things that less experienced colleagues sometimes miss for lack of experience or proper equipment.

We hold ourselves to a high standard of service, and our clients' satisfaction and referrals are what carry our name forward. We stay with you at every step and run a comprehensive check that covers the aesthetics and foundations of the house or apartment and, where relevant, the building's foundations, roof, and more.

If you are about to buy a property, have just moved in, or have noticed something that concerns you, contact us. We'll explain your rights and carry out a thorough inspection that heads off future problems and unnecessary expense.