Home Inspections

Not all home inspection companies are created equal. Consumers often rely on local inspector association memberships or licensing to assure them that they are getting a qualified inspector. While licensing and trade membership is a good first step in evaluating an inspection firm, it's not the ONLY qualification to look for. Most licensing or inspector associations do not require professional liability insurance, annual re-testing or on-going technical support. This article will discuss the most important credentials to help consumers evaluate and select the most qualified home inspection service.

Limited Inspection Guarantee: The company you select should stand behind their inspector's work. Such guarantees assure you that the inspector was properly trained and that a thorough inspection was performed. Ask the following questions:

Does your company stand behind your inspection reports? Does the company include a written limited guarantee? What protection does your company offer against deficiencies found after purchase?

Formally Trained Inspectors: All home inspectors should be required to be formally trained and and have their training continually updated to keep their expertise current. Ask the following questions:

What kind of formal training do your inspectors have? What is the extent of their on-going training? Are your inspectors certified?

Reputation: The company you select should have solid experience and enjoy an impeccable reputation for integrity and thoroughness. Only years of service and dedication can achieve those goals. Ask the following questions:

How long has the company been in the home inspection business? How many inspections have they performed? Is the company a member of the Better Business Bureau?

Insurance: One of the most important credentials to look for is their insurance coverage. Errors and Omissions insurance is like malpractice insurance to cover inspector negligence. General Liability insurance protects you should the inspector damage something while at the site. Ask the following questions:

Are your inspectors covered by E&O insurance? Does the company carry General Liability Insurance?

On-Site Report: The home inspection company you choose should encourage your attendance and provide you with a written report at the completion of the inspection. Verify that all major elements will be accurately described in the report and not just rated as functional or not functional. Your inspection report should give the approximate ages of the major elements of the home as well as estimated life spans. Questions to ask:

Can I accompany the inspector on the inspection? Will I be provided with a professional report immediately after the inspection? Will your report reflect the ages of all the major elements?

Guidance after the Inspection: The home inspection service should offer you additional information regarding home repairs and maintenance. Questions to ask:

Does your company provide me with any post-inspection home maintenance information? Does your company have a full-time technical staff to help us with advice as needed? Does the company offer a useful website to help owners manage home/appliance service?