Choosing a Home Inspector

Below are a few guidelines that you may find useful.

• Interview--Interview 2-3 home inspectors before you decide on one.
   
• License--Although not all states require it, most reputable home inspectors will be licensed by the state in which they work. Be sure to ask for their license number.
   
• Reputation--Check references, the Better Business Bureau and The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), a trade group for inspectors nationwide.
   
• Experience--Find out how long the inspectors have been in the business, if they are experienced specifically in residential inspection, if they attend continuing education programs to keep apprised of current inspection issues and if they are local (if not, be sure they are aware of local climate and guidelines).
   
• Conflict of Interest--Investigate whether they work independently or are outsourced by another company, such as the construction company who will be building your new home.
   
• Warranties/Insurance--Discover if the firm provides a written guarantee or warranty of services rendered. Query about insurance coverage in the firm such as general liability and workers compensation. Ask if the specific inspectors you are considering carry "errors and omissions" insurance to cover their work.
   
• Reports--Ask to see a sample of a typical finished report. Be sure that you find it concise yet complete and easy to understand.
   
• Work Load--Discover the average amount of homes they inspect annually (a quality inspector will inspect about 200 homes per year) and how long it will take to complete the inspection (a thorough inspection of a typical single-family home should not be less than 2-3 hours).
   
• Inspection Checklist--Obtain a checklist of what the inspector will go over in your home. Be sure that it includes an examination of the following:
   
  • roof (examination should be conducted up on the roof itself), attic, foundation, basement, garage, drainage, a metered test of the electrical system, plumbing, heating, cooling, walls, floors, fireplaces, chimneys, windows and doors. Use of a moisture meter which exposes any possible damage from dampness is recommended also.
     
• Inspector, not Repairman--The inspector's job is solely to discover any problem areas. It does not include repairing those damages. Avoid those who offer both services.