As a home buyer, you will want to hire a home inspector to prepare a written report on the condition of the visible and accessible components of a house for sale. This will provide invaluable information and can help you to make decisions. Here are a few questions to ask as you seek a credentialed, reputable home inspector:
1. Do you have a Certificate or License? Thirty-five states have regulations for the qualifications of a professional home inspector. Check to make sure that the home inspector has met these basic requirements.
2. Are you a member of a Professional Association? There are three well-known associations: The American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI), and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI). Both ASHI and NAHI have levels of membership based on the home inspector's credentials and experience, which are reviewed and documented. Individuals begin as an associate member and must earn full certification. Ask if the home inspector has achieved membership as an ASHI Certified Inspector, a NAHI Certified Real Estate Inspector, or a Certified InterNACHI Inspector. The websites for each of the professional associations provide helpful tips for the public as well as listings to find home inspectors by each state. If you live in a non-regulated state, the professional association is one way to determine the credentials of the inspector. Certification by a professional association does not replace the need to meet state requirements for licensing first.
3. How many years of experience do you have with professional home inspections? What is your background? Many home inspectors come to the profession with a background in areas of home construction that bring added value or a specialized skill to their repertoire. As the saying goes, experience is the best teacher. You might look for someone who has several years of full-time work as a professional home inspector. Each home is different and a well-trained professional will have a variety of experience to help your inspection go smoothly.
4. May I see a sample report? This is the service for which you are ultimately paying. Review a sample report so that you understand which house components are typically inspected. Pay attention to the level of detail that is provided to the home-buyer. You will want to have a report that is clear, concise, and helpful. It should give you a solid understanding of the house's condition.
5. May I be present during the inspection? How long will it take? An experienced, competent home inspector will not mind if you attend the inspection and may encourage you to be there. It typically takes several hours for a two-story single home.
6. Do you carry insurance? In some states this is a requirement for licensing. Ask if the inspector has liability insurance, sometimes called “errors and omissions” insurance. It protects the home inspector if there is an oversight and often means you would get paid if you win a judgment regarding a faulty report.
After speaking with a potential home inspector, you should have a clear idea of the quality of the inspection and of the person. There is oversight in the home inspection business if you would like to investigate further. Lastly, you can check for complaints filed against the home inspector through the local Better Business Bureau or the professional organization to which the inspector belongs. If your state has licensing regulations, it would be best to check with the state governing board that oversees the home inspection profession.
It is important to interview the home inspector and to find someone with whom you feel confident. A competent professional will be happy to answer these questions for you.
