Questions to Ask When Selecting a Home Inspector

A referral from a friend is a good place to start. But it is suggested to interview the inspector before choosing, just the same. Remember, Inspectors and their inspection skills, what they do and what they do not inspect vary greatly. Important questions should be asked. Not all inspectors inspect the same way. This also is a big part of the reasons why not all inspectors charge the same.

The following questions can be used to help you make sure you are hiring the right inspector for you:

What did you do before you got into the inspection business?

If prior work was in building construction or engineering, this is a good sign. The more experience he has the better for you. If his background was in an unrelated field, beware.

Do you have any formal training?

There are inspectors with no training. All ASHI Inspectors get formal training at weekend seminars ASHI Chapter Meetings and conferences. The average ASHI Inspector will attend up to 30 hours of education annually. The better inspectors will achieve more. With no training and no continuing education they have no way of knowing how sub standard they are.

How long have you been in the business?

Will you be the inspector doing my inspection?

The more experience the better in this business. Anyone with less than three years of experience should be avoided. However, there are exceptions, there are inspectors that have been around for years and do a sub standard inspection, and on the other hand there are some up and coming newer inspectors that are doing good work.

Do you carry E & O and Liability Insurance?

Your inspector should have an ASHI endorsed insurance policy of $500,000 or more. This will protect you and your family from any inspection errors or omissions that might be made by your inspector.

What standard do you use for inspecting?

There are no governing requirements in this area on what is to be inspected and what is not to be inspected. Consequently an inspector can decide what, in his opinion, should be inspected. Many uneducated inspectors do not use any recognized standard. The ASHI Standard of Practice is the most common and recognized. ASHI Standard of Practice are considered the highest standards in the industry. ASHI Inspectors are held accountable to these standards. Others that claim they inspect to the same ASHI Standards are not held accountable.

How long will the inspection take?

This varies greatly on several factors and from home to home and client to client. How large is the house what components out side of normal heating electrical and plumbing systems does the home have? Typically the home inspection takes from two hours up. Plus the time to write the inspection report.

Can I attend the inspection?

The inspector should encourage you to be present at the inspection. You will learn much more if you do attend the inspection. It gives you a chance to ask questions during the inspection process. Your inspector should be explaining to you their findings, correction suggestions on defects, and idea on cost on repairs, maintenance items. This obviously increases your knowledge and understanding of the home.

Do you have a sample report?

This is a very important step in hiring and inspector. How your inspector writes, and communicates to you is the bigger part of a home inspection. Make sure the report is clear, easy to read, and in an organized format. Does the sample report consist of photos of defects? This helps make the report much easier to understand. If the inspector can not offer a sample report BEWARE. View BuildingTech's sample report.

What is the Inspection Fee?

You will find the inspection fees vary quite a bit. You will learn the inspectors who have more experience, do a good job, and have the right credentials, (such as ASHI for continuing education), will charge more. Remember, you get what you pay for. In any event, you want the very best, not the cheapest when it comes to buying a home.