How to Choose a Qualified Home Inspector

Definitely pick one who is affiliated with any of the major professional organizations dealing with the home inspection field. Two of the most respected ones include the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) -- the industry’s oldest and most respected professional association, according to many real estate professionals. In order to be a member of this organization, the home inspector must pass strict technical exams, meet specific standards of practice, and abide by a code of ethics.

Interview several home inspectors before you’ve actually located the home you want. That way, you won’t be scrambling to find an inspector as the time to sign the contract gets ever so close. Contact an experienced, professional Realtor for their recommendations on the best inspector. Contact Christina today for free advice! Christina (Asad) Edwards 937-205-4741 Christina.Asad@RealLiving.com

Thoroughness: Try to find an inspector who has a reputation as being detail-oriented, possesses a scrutinizing nature, and doesn’t overlook the little problems a home may be hiding. An inspector should be able to quantify the findings in numerical value.

Experience: Always insist on hiring an inspector with a certain level of experience. Although education and training are vital ingredients of a home inspector’s overall resume, it is crucial in this field to come equipped with a certain amount of on-the-job experience. A good rule of thumb is to look for an inspector with at least fifteen years of combined training/education and actual work experience. He or she will ideally have been cross-trained in disciplines involving all systems of a typical residential home. Also choose someone who does this kind of work full-time, not as a sideline endeavor. If the inspector is able to do the inspection at the drop of a hat, he obviously does not do much business, and has a wide open schedule.

Insurance: A competent home inspector will be covered by a general liability insurance, and errors and omissions insurance policy.

Know beforehand exactly what the inspection will include. For example, get specifics on any specialized testing which will be performed. An inspector should be able to quantify the findings in numerical value such as exact number of years left on a roof, and not give a generalized opinion of the property such as “role the dice with that roof!”

Price: Let this be the least imperative factor when evaluating an inspector’s criteria. You have too much at stake not to choose the inspector you deem to have the best qualifications. Even if hiring a competent, thoroughly qualified inspector costs you a bit more than paying someone with less impressive credentials, your astuteness will likely pay big dividends in the long run. http://actionagents.com/choosetherighthomeinspector.htm 8/3/07