Buying a home represents a major
investment of time, money, and effort. It also is an exciting and
rewarding experience. Now is the time to be an informed consumer,
and to select an inspection company that offers you value. We
suggest you ask the following questions when comparing home
inspection companies to help you select which one best meet your
needs.
How Do I Select A Good Inspector?
Is the inspector properly licensed
and certified? Many new inspectors have entered the industry in
recent years. Make sure the inspector is state-licensed, if
required, or certified by a national professional association, such
as the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) or the America
Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
Does the company carry General
Liability (GL) and Errors and Omissions (E & O) insurance?
Appropriate risk insurance protects businesses, clients, and
property owners. Many new inspectors joining the industry do not
carry insurance. Check the inspection company’s insurance status.
How are the inspection reports
delivered? Inspection reports should be clear, concise,
easy-to-read, and available quickly. You’ll want to have a firm
understanding of the condition of the home prior to the contingency
period of your real estate contract. Ask whether they deliver
reports on site or via e-mail soon after the inspection.
Does the report provide a summary
of defective items and pictures? The report should provide a
summary of defective items. This "summary page" allows you to easily
see what functional or safety concerns exist with the property.
Additionally, digital cameras allow inspectors to effectively
illustrate their reports, especially items that are difficult to
describe. No other item has so positively affected communication of
reports in recent years as the digital camera.
What is the inspector's experience
and background? Inspectors should have attended an in-depth
training course to learn how to perform home inspections. They
should also have an excellent experience base and ideally be part of
an organization with a strong continuing education program. Find out
how long the inspection company has been in business.
Can you order more than one
inspection at the same time? Check to see if the inspection
company can save you time by offering additional inspections on the
same day, such as radon and termite.
Is the fee too high? Too low?
Newer inspectors tend to compete based on price; therefore you may
have to pay more for an experienced inspector. The $25, $50, or $100
to hire the "right" inspection company is minimal compared to the
thousands of dollars it could cost you by hiring the "wrong"
inspection company.
Does the company encourage you to
attend the inspection? Attending the inspection is a great
opportunity for you to learn first-hand what is included in the
inspection and about the systems and components in the house you are
purchasing. Be wary of inspectors that do not include you in the
inspection process.
Is it a well-established
inspection company? Well-established inspection companies have
more availability for inspections, especially for those needed
immediately. Additionally, they have the resources to provide
ongoing inspector training and comprehensive post-inspection
customer service. |
