Buying a new home is probably the biggest investment you’ll ever make. And it’s a decision that will affect you for years to come. The process can be extremely stressful and confusing. And of course there is always considerable risk involved when making such a large purchase decision. A professional inspection will significantly reduce your risk and help make the entire home buying process easier and less stressful.

It is strongly encouraged that you accompany the inspector during the inspection so you can ask questions and learn about your homes systems. The inspector will point out and explain problems and also show you the positive points of the house. He will explain what routine maintenance is needed to keep the house in top condition. Being present will maximize the benefit you receive from the inspection process.

When shopping for a home inspector, it’s vital that you do your homework and interview each inspector based on the checklist below.

• Do not price shop. When hiring a home inspector you are hiring an advocate with your interests in mind to give you their expert opinion on your home’s condition. Finding a well trained and experienced individual is more important than finding the technician (wasn’t sure if that was an appropriate word) with the cheapest price. Training, certifications and continuing education don’t come cheap to the inspectors; consequently their service isn’t going to be cheap either.  When it comes to home inspections – as with most things – you get what you pay for.
• Research their credentials. Since there are no national standards for home inspectors you can learn about their qualifications by asking what associations they belong to, what certifications they holds and what they mean. Some associations require minimum training, experience, continuing education and also passage of certain exams.  However, not all associations are created equal so check out the associations’ minimum requirements.  The best associations require that the inspector pass yearly exams and obtain a specific amount of continuing education credits. Also, find out what level of the association the inspector occupies.  Some associations have “candidate” and “associate” or other levels which indicate that the inspector has not met the requirements to be a full member. In Colorado, the top certifications are National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) and the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI).
• Ask for references. A good inspector will be happy to provide you with three references from previous clients.  Call those clients and ask them about their experience with their inspections.
• Warranties. You may find a home inspector that warranties the home on his inspection for a short period of time such as 90 days. If you feel you need a warranty for your new home purchase a home warranty through your agent or have it added to the sale of the home. These warranties cover more items than the home inspection warranty and are in force for a longer period of time.
• Make your own decision. Whether you pick your home inspector or your real estate agent refers you to one, do your homework. Besides the obvious conflict of interest issues: a recommendation does not necessarily guarantee that the inspector is the best choice.
• Ask to see one of their inspection reports. At the conclusion of any inspection, you should receive a report on the inspector’s findings.  Again, inspectors are going to vary widely – report styles can range from the minimal checklist to the jargon-filled narrative.  Inspection reports can be difficult to understand, so it’s important that you check out a sample report.  Items marked as “fair”, “poor”, or “inadequate” without any further explanation will not help you understand what the problem is or what exactly to repair.  Make sure that the inspector always specifies the exact problem and recommended repairs.  The inspector should also indicate an estimated cost of any repairs he or she recommends.

Home inspectors are not licensed contractors.  Their role is to identify potential problems.  If an inspector identifies a possible structural problem, it is best to call in a structural engineer to get their advice.  The same holds true for electrical, plumbing, HVAC or other specialty areas.  It is also highly recommended to get the sewers scoped for damages. Repairing a sewer, especially if it under the street, can be costly.

Thanks to Bill Schaeffer  for this post.

Chief Home Inspection LLC
Toll Free Phone:  888-240-4087
Cell:  303-668-7072
Fax:  888-240-4087
E-mail: Bill@chiefinspection.com