How to choose a Professional Inspector:

How should I choose a home inspector?

You need to ask tough questions when you call for a quote or to schedule a inspection.

1)  How many years has the inspector been performing inspections? 

5 years is a good starting point.  Would you hire a doctor for an important operation who just graduated from medical school? Would you want a just graduated trade school kid performing complicated repairs on your expensive car? Good inspectors have been performing inspections for many years and there is NO substitute for actual on the job experience.

2)  How many inspections has the inspector performed? 

The minimum number should be 2000 inspections.  As in question number one above, there is NO substitute for experience.

3)  How do I know the inspector who shows up to inspect my house is experienced? 

This is very easy.  When you call to schedule, ask for the name of the inspector who will perform your inspection; Ask how long that inspector has been performing inspections; Ask how many inspections that inspector has completed. If you are satisfied the inspector is qualified then insist only that inspector be allowed to inspect your new home.  Many companies have multiple inspectors..some with very little experience so you need to ask who is actually going to do the inspection. Some popular and familiar inspection companies have owners or inspectors with limited experience.  Do not allow yourself to be fooled by general statements or questionable certifications. 

4)  Does the Inspection Company have Insurance? 

Reputable and experienced companies always have insurance.  Inexperienced inspectors, part time inspectors and those who do not qualify will most likely not have insurance.  Errors & omissions and liability insurance is expensive and is only available to those inspectors who are qualified to get it.  You need to ask about insurance!  If an inspector does not have insurance they most likely can not get it.  Insurance companies are not in business to insure unqualified businesses or mistake prone companies. Poor performers are usually cancelled or the price of insurance becomes so high it is unaffordable.

5)  How come there are so many inspectors to choose from? 

During the recent hot real estate market many people thought that real estate was an easy way to make money.  You probably know of many people who became real estate agents or mortgage brokers, many who claim to be very good at what they do.  These people were looking for fast and easy money.  It was no different for the home inspection industry.  With no licensing requirement people such as contractors, roofers, downsized computer industry employees etc. jumped in..took a few inspection courses on-line and declared themselves fully qualified and certified inspectors.  All I can recommend is to go back to questions 1,2,3 above and make sure you have an inspector who actually was performing inspections before it was fashionable.

In conclusion:

You should base your choice of a home inspector on his/her qualifications, including experience, training, and ASHI affiliation. Price, although a consideration, should not be the basis of your final decision. The lowest-price inspector is not necessarily a bargain. Your new home purchase is probably the greatest investment in terms of time and money that you will ever make. The knowledge you will gain from an experienced and well-qualified inspector is well worth the investment.

Frequently Asked Home Inspection Questions:

1)Why does a home inspection minimize my risk in purchasing a home?

A home inspection is designed to make you as knowledgeable as possible about your future home. It is designed to educate you about the systems in your future home and the home's physical and mechanical condition. We will explain how the components of your home function and point out areas that require maintenance or major repair.


2)What does HomeCheck do with its copy of my home inspection report?

We keep all reports confidential. We do not share the home inspection report with anyone without your prior consent. You are our client and we respect your privacy. We keep all reports for future reference and would be pleased to answer any questions that may arise after you move into your new home.

3)Can I sell my home inspection report?

The inspection report is not transferable without the expressed written consent of HomeCheck LLC.

Professional Home Inspections facts: Our Inspection takes 2-3 hours. We follow the Standards of Practice of the American Society of Home Inspectors. Customers are encouraged to be present during the inspection. We answer questions. We offer suggestions. We address concerns. We provide a 21-page custom report upon completion of inspection. All of our Inspectors are certified by the Examination Board of Professional Home Inspectors and are ASHI certified.