How to Select a Home Inspector
What basis should I use to choose a home inspector?
- Make sure your home inspector meets the requirements of all laws and regulations in your
state or province.
Use our Find A Home Inspector
to see the current laws and regulations for your state or province. Some areas
have regulations that home inspectors must be licensed which includes
passing a certification exam and continuing education.
- Your home inspector should have proper training or experience.
There are several training companies that provide hands-on training
and many inspectors have been in the building trades for several years
and have considerable knowledge of home construction.
- Ask if the inspector is a member of a professional Home Inspection organization.
If your state or province does not require a license for home inspectors, it is
important that the home inspector belongs to an association and
abide by a set of standard
practices and code of ethics that require professionalism in the industry.
National home inspector organizations like the American
Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), NACHI
(National Association of Certified Home Inspectors), National
Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI), and similar state or province level
organizations require their members to adhere to strict standards
of practice
and
continuing education.
- Ideally, he should be referred by someone other than your real estate agent.
The best home inspectors are often labeled by some agents as "Deal Breakers."
Someone with this reputation is likely to provide a comprehensive home
inspection.
What else can I ask a home inspector to help me make a decision?
- What type of report do you deliver?
A home inspection should include a report that describes what was inspected
and the condition of each inspected item. The best reports are created
using home inspection software that include pictures and comments specific
to your home.
- When and how do you deliver the report?
Inspectors using home inspection software can often deliver the report
on site or at least deliver the report thru the internet for quicker
delivery. Internet report delivery is often important for out of town
clients instead of messy faxes or costly overnight shipping.
- Can I see a sample home inspection report?
Request a copy of a sample report to make sure it is detailed and easily
understood. If you cannot understand the report or if you lose interest
in reading the ton of extra, useless information some reports contain
you probably will not read your own report and maybe miss important
information.
Who is the cheapest? Inspectors all look at the same things right?
Every inspector is different and comes with strong points and weak points.
You may save $50 by choosing a cheaper inspector and he could miss $1,000
in problems. Usually, the best inspectors are not the cheapest. If you
want to save money, possibly thousands, then don't choose the cheapest
inspector. A thorough and experienced home inspector is the best route
to take.
Some offer to give me a big book of general information that is included in the
home inspection?
What you are after is a thorough home inspection with content about your
home, not bulk or info that may not even apply to your home. There are
many sources for general information such as "Ortho's Home Encyclopedia"
that you can pick up at any home improvement store. Also there are many
online "how to" or "do it yourself (diy)" websites. Choose a home inspector based on his ability. Substance should
be measured in quality of content, not weight.
Extra HomeGauge Tip: How to choose a Real Estate Agent.
- Call different Realty companies and ask to speak to the agent on duty.
- Ask something like this:
Which home inspector would you recommend to your own sick and aging
mother?
Note: This may be different than the one they use normally.
- If one inspector was referred to more than the others, then that is
a good sign.
- Now, call that inspector and ask him if he will give you the names
and numbers of several agents who:
a. use his services regularly.
b. appreciate the need for a thorough home inspection.
c. is sharp and organized in representing the Buyer.
Be sure to also ask that inspector if they have heard about
HomeGauge.com
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