Finding the Right Home Inspector
Buying a home is a complicated process, and it’s easy to get emotionally caught up in the excitement of closing on a home that is exactly what you’re looking for. But for something that’s this big and this important, you do not want to go off half-cocked or to get so emotionally invested that you’re blind to potential problems the home might have. That’s why having a home inspection is mandatory before you can get a loan approved. Even selecting the right certified home inspector is a decision to itself.
Things to Keep in Mind When Finding a Home Inspector
- Licensing. Most states require licensing and certification for an inspector. Above and beyond that, though, look into the inspector’s professionalism. Pick one who’s affiliated with the National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI) and/or American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). In addition to technical exams, member inspectors must meet standards of practice and adhere to a code of ethics.
- Shop around. Interview a few home inspectors before you even find the home you want. With a few names in your back pocket, you won’t be scrambling to find a certified home inspector when the time comes.
- Referrals. Talk to friends who have used an inspector and been happy with his work. Realtors are also good for recommendations, but you may want to talk to a different realtor than the one that’s representing you (to avoid conflicts of interest).
- Thoroughness. Make sure that your inspector is detail-oriented and meticulous in his work, and doesn’t pass over even the little problems a home may have.
- Experience. Licensing, training and qualifications are all well and good, but they’re no substitute for actual hands-on experience as a home inspector. A good rule of thumb is a total of fifteen years of combined home inspector training and experience. This can only come from someone who works as a home inspector full-time, not just on the side.
- Insurance. A good inspector will be covered by general liability insurance, and an errors-and-omissions insurance policy (to protect your investment).
- Price. This should be the least of your considerations. Like many things, a good one isn’t cheap and a cheap one isn’t good. Considering what you have at stake, an extra couple of hundred dollars for a qualified, certified home inspector shouldn’t be a deal-breaker.
Also, try to find an inspector who encourages you to be present through the inspection process. You may learn some things about home maintenance and repair that will serve you well down the road. Conversely, an inspector who insists on going it alone should probably be avoided.