When you begin your search for a home inspection, there are important questions you should have answered before you select your home inspector.  
 

1. What does your inspection cover?  

The inspector should ensure that their inspection and inspection report will meet all applicable requirements in your state if applicable and will comply with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. You should be able to request and see a copy of these items ahead of time and ask any questions you may have. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront.  
  

2. How many inspection/testing 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. I personally have serviced more than 300 clients
  

3. 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. But the answer is yes B-Sure is.
  

4. Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection?  

Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in the inspection. Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest. I consider it a conflict of interest.  
  

5. How long will the inspection take?  

The average on-site inspection time for a single inspector is 2.5 - 4 hours for a typical single-family house; it also depends on additional services ordered. Anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection. Additional inspectors may be brought in for very large properties and buildings.  
  

6. How much will it cost?  

Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size and age of the house, scope of services and other factors. Consider the value of the home inspection in terms of the investment being made. Cost does not necessarily reflect quality. 
  

7. 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. Most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection.  
  

8. 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. About 30% attend, 40% show up at the end of the inspection to go over findings, and about 30% do not attend. 
  

9. Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?  

There are many state and national associations for home inspectors. Request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem appropriate.  I am a proud member of The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI), Professional Lab Partner, Environmental Solutions Association, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Galesburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Mold Inspectors Consultants Remediation Organization, International Association of Certified Indoor Air Consultants, and West Central Association of Realtors (Associate)
  

10. 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 professionalism and service to the consumer. Both licensing boards and my association memberships require yearly continuing education.
  

11. What can you tell me that will convince me to work with you?

Great question! When I am hired to work with you, in short you are asking me to find things wrong. You are asking me to work only for you, the client, and no one else. You are asking me to provide you with a report that is easy to understand. You are asking me to make the money you pay worth it and request a licensed/qualified professional come in if I feel there is enough evidence to request one. You are asking me to provide in writing, problems, issues, or suspicions that out weigh the fee that is charged. You are asking me to do these tasks and that I will do!
 
 
 
 
 

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