Smart Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector
What does your inspection cover?
The inspector should ensure that the inspection and report will meet all applicable requirements in your state and will comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics.
The inspector should ensure that the inspection and report will meet all applicable requirements in your state and will comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics.
How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?
The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals.
The inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals.
Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection?
Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection.
Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection.
How long will the inspection take?
The average on-site inspection time for a single inspector is two to three hours for a typical single- family house; anything signifi- cantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection.
The average on-site inspection time for a single inspector is two to three hours for a typical single- family house; anything signifi- cantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection.
How much will it cost?
Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the house, scope of services and other factors. A typical range might be $300-$500, but consider the value of the home inspection in terms of the investment being made.
Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the house, scope of services and other factors. A typical range might be $300-$500, but consider the value of the home inspection in terms of the investment being made.
What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?
Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector’s reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs.
Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector’s reporting style and if the time parameters fulfill your needs.
Will I be able to attend the inspection?
This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector’s refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert.
This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector’s refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert.
Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?
One can never know it all, and the inspector’s commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her profes- sionalism and service to the consumer.
One can never know it all, and the inspector’s commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her profes- sionalism and service to the consumer.
Contact us if you would like our Home inspector checklist you can have all your home inspection candidates fill out before you agree to hire them.
