In the past, home inspections were not a part of residential real estate transactions; buyers simply depended on their own perceptions of the
home and whatever the seller's real estate agent told them. Investing the costs for a home inspection can be well worth it both for peace of
mind and the potential cost of trouble avoided.
Your real estate agent should be able to recommend several well-qualified home inspectors. You can also ask friends and family for advice.
1) Credentials
Ask open-ended questions about the inspector's training and experience as it relates to home inspections. The inspector should have some
training in construction and building maintenance standards and a track record of experience in the home inspection business.
2) Example Reports
Ask the inspector to provide a sample of his or her checklist or inspection report so you can evaluate it. Does the report highlight any
problems that could present a safety hazard?
3) Testimonials
Ask the inspector for the names and telephone numbers of several homeowners who have used his or her services. Be sure to talk to some people
who have owned their home for a few months or longer.
Many home inspectors are listed on Yelp.com where you can read reviews and experiences from people who have used their services.
4) Associations
Not all inspectors are associated with a national or state association of home inspectors and membership in one of these groups should not be
your sole evaluation criteria. Look for membership in the National Association of Home Inspectors, the National Institute of Building
Inspectors, and the American Society of Home Inspectors.
5) Errors and Omissions Insurance
Even top-notch inspectors are only human and can make errors or overlook problems they probably should have been noticed. Does the company or
individual inspector stand behind the report? Many companies ask customers to sign a waiver limiting the company's liability to the cost of the
inspection.
You might also wish to ask the inspector if you can go along during the inspection. This will allow you to be able to see the concerns or
prospective issues that will later come out in the report. Be ready to spend a few hours inspecting every square inch of your home.
