How to Choose the Right Home Inspector

If you’re hiring a home inspector prior to signing off on a piece of property, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind.

Following are some important questions to ask:

Home Long Have You Been Working in the Field?

An inspector should be able to provide references and a history of experience. It’s also important to know about his or her background.

What Experience Do You Have With Residential Inspections?

A background in engineering or construction is a bonus, but if the inspector has never worked on a home, it won’t help much.

How Much Time Does an Inspection Take?

A thorough home inspection should take between two and three hours, depending on the size of the home.

Special considerations need to be taken when looking at wood-burning fireplaces and swimming pools.

What Will the Inspection Cost?

The cost of the average home inspection is $300 to $500, depending on the region, size of the home and the complexity of the building systems that are used.

What Type of Inspection Report Is Provided?

Some inspectors provide a big binder full of information, but if you don’t understand the report, that information is essentially useless. The report should be clear and help guide your final decision to purchase the home.

Do You Belong to a Home Inspection Association, and Do You Attend Continuing Education Courses?

Building technologies are constantly evolving, so an inspector should be educated to assess all aspects of a home, regardless of its age.

Membership in an organization like the American Society of Home Inspectors means the inspector has been certified and approved by that organization.

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