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So you're buying a home and would like to have it inspected. Good idea. When they uncover problems, professional inspections can save you repair time, headaches and money. When no problems are found, inspections provide you with something equally priceless: peace of mind.
But how do you find a qualified inspector? Good question. Unfortunately, the home inspection industry is not well regulated. Home inspection is a relatively young, growing service industry. Its oldest professional organization, the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), is just a decade and a half old. And most states don't register inspectors, so almost anyone can hang a "home inspection" shingle.
What to Look (out) For
- To find a qualified inspector, first look for ASHI certification. Members operate under standards of ethics and procedures and must meet experience and training qualifications.
- Next, and maybe most important, make sure the inspector isn't a contractor, repair person or building supplies provider, too. Someone who tells you the roof needs attention then offers to fix it himself isn't objective or credible.
- Third, ask both how long the inspector has been in business and how many inspections he has completed. Don't hire someone who's done fewer than 1,000 inspections; many novice inspectors don't know what to look for.
- Next, find out if the inspection is guaranteed. This does not amount to a guarantee of the house itself, but does assure that the inspection is accurate and complete.
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- Also ask the inspector if he will keep your report confidential or if he will sell it to other potential buyers or sellers of the property in question.
- Look for an inspector who charges a flat rate of $150-$250 for the inspection. Hourly rates or fees based on the list price, age or size of the house can end up costing you more than you bargained for.
- Make sure the inspector is insured. This protects him, and you, against failure to disclose a serious defect. And this insurance is very expensive and hard to qualify for, so only the best, most established inspectors have it.
- If you don't mind spending the extra time, call references. Reputable inspectors should be happy to provide you with client names and phone numbers.
- Finally, first impressions count. Did the inspection company return your call promptly and answer your questions satisfactorily? Were they professional? Friendly? Most home inspections need to be completed quickly to meet contractual deadlines, so choose someone who's responsive and can get the job done well and fast.
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