8 Essential Questions to Ask Your Home Inspector

Congratulations! You've decided to purchase a home. We all know that when purchasing a home, every detail is an important one. And choosing a home inspector is no exception. It's critical to choose an inspector the same way you've chosen a real estate professional - very carefully! You'll get a great educational experience when you hire a professional with the right credentials.

Working with a home inspector isn't complicated; however, unless armed with the right questions to ask, you may get stuck with a less than capable individual. Here are my top 8 questions to ask your next home inspector:

  • Does the inspector come from a construction background?
    It's great that your inspector is a nice person, but what did they do before inspecting homes? Do they bring a wealth of knowledge about the construction trades, building, or remodeling? Or were they a hairdresser in a previous life? Don't get me wrong, I'm not picking on hairdressers - but that occupation certainly doesn't have anything to do with inspecting a house!
  • Does the inspector hold the appropriate license and meet all requirements for home inspectors in your area or state, and where can you go to verify this license?
    This question may not be applicable in all states - there are states without licensing requirements for home inspectors. But if your state has some kind of requirements, you need to know what they are, and where you can go to verify that your chosen inspector has done what it takes to be state-compliant. Verification is essential, because many states have the capability to track continuing education of the inspector as well as complaints.
  • Is the inspector a member of the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI)?
    This is critical! ASHI is the oldest, largest, and most respected organization for home inspectors in the country. They also maintain the highest standards and ethics for home inspectors. If your inspector is a member of this organization, you can be sure that they have passed The National Home Inspectors Exam, and they have completed all training and administrative requirements for membership. You can even verify membership status at www.ASHI.org. The inspector may be a member of other organizations, but none have requirements as strict as ASHI. And don't be fooled by those companies who claim to inspect to "ASHI standards" - if they aren't a bonifide ASHI member, find another inspector.
  • How long has the inspector been in the inspection business, and how many inspections has he performed during this time?
    Longevity gives comfort that the inspector will be with you in the future as new needs and issues arise. But if he's only done 12 inspections during his several years in business, that's not good! Your home buying decision is far too important to be a practice place for a part-time inspector.
  • Does your inspector have experience in homes similar to the home you are having inspected?
    All homes have some systems and features in common, but a brand new home has risks and issues that differ from an historic beauty from the year 1855. Only someone who has walked the walk and crawled the crawl numerous times in similar homes can sleuth out those important items that are specific to your age, size, and type of home.
  • Will your inspector walk on the roof, crawl in the crawlspace, go into the basement, and climb into the attic space (if any of these are applicable)?
    Your inspector should be capable of going and willing to go into those places where others fear to tread! These are the places that must be seen to best protect the customer. There a times when those locations cannot be completely inspected due to physical risk to the inspector, risk to the equipment, or seasonal limitations. But for the inspector to not inspect those locations because he doesn't want to, is scared of the dark, or is too ample to fit into those spaces is unacceptable.
  • Does the completed report include photographs?
    Often, the report will contain descriptions of damage or defect in locations of the home that only the inspector was able to access, like roof-tops or crawl spaces. You will want pictures of these areas to make your understanding of the scope and location of the damage clear. It also makes repairs simpler to get estimated when a photograph is available.
  • When will the completed report be delivered, and can it be emailed?
    Often the buying decision is time critical, you want to be sure you will receive your completed report in time to read, review, and respond. The best companies can deliver the report to you on-site, right at the home, just as the inspection is completed.

    • Finally, be sure to attend the home inspection. There is no substitute for the complete inspection experience; the report generated is only a small piece of the inspection. When you attend the inspection, see the process, ask questions, and become educated about your home, you'll gain great comfort and confidence in your buying decision. Good luck, and happy home buying!

    Wally Conway is President of Florida HomePro Inspections, and has recently written a book entitled "Secrets of the Happy Home Inspector", available at GoHomePro.com or Amazon.com. Wally's expertise and experience has been sought after by HGTV's "House Detective", the Florida Times Union, and many real estate boards and associations. As a speaker, writer, instructor, and host of The Happy Home Inspector radio show every Saturday at 3 PM on WOKV 690, Wally blends the right amount of up-to-date information with just the right amount of humor, insight, motivation, and real-world application. Visit http://www.WallyConway.com for more information!

    In The News:

    pen paper and inkwell


    cat break through


    Staging Homes for Top-Dollar Sales

    Wouldn't it be nice to have Roger Hazard's design team... Read More

    Safe, Scenic & Secure Sussex County Delaware

    As I write this, there is a considerable concern about... Read More

    Are You Tired of Tenants, Toilets, and Trash?

    Wouldn't you rather go to Tahiti? Are you a landlord... Read More

    Realtors Brainstorm For Business

    Even though rates are down opening up the market for... Read More

    Hey Landlord! Is Your Lease Legal?

    The longer you are a landlord the more you strive... Read More

    Investment Property Part I: How Not to Become a Slumlord

    After riding the ups and downs of the stock market... Read More

    Escrow Accounts ? Are You Paying Too Much?

    Money in escrow is "dead money". It doesn't earn interest... Read More

    Property Investing Secrets 9

    Property Investing: Here Are Two Important Tactics You Must Do... Read More

    Attention To Details Helps Homeowners Sell Fast In A Buyers Market

    Your boss has just given you the career opportunity of... Read More

    Atlanta Georgia Real Estate - Marietta - East Cobb, Roswell, and Alpharetta

    Whether you're a "move up" home buyer, downsizing, or relocating... Read More

    Regarding Real Estate On Leased Land

    1.Why are there so many properties on leased land?There are... Read More

    Purchasing Property With No Money Down: My Personal Experience

    Have you ever seen those infomercials about buying houses with... Read More

    Checklist for Buying a Home

    I had a client who called saying that his bath... Read More

    Flat Fee MLS Listings - Is This The Future Of Real Estate

    Realtors are all a buzz about this new form of... Read More

    Location, Location, Location

    Location, location, location - known as the 3 most important... Read More

    Where is the Sophisticated Property Investor Putting his Money?

    The Traditional FavouritesOver the last five to ten years, UK... Read More

    Selling Your Own Home: 10 More Tips

    Selling your own home can be a time-consuming and frustrating... Read More

    NAHB?s Voluntary Model Green Home Building Guidelines

    The voluntary Model Green Home Building Guidelines are designed to... Read More

    Closing Costs When Buying A Home

    Closing costs are often the last thing a person thinks... Read More

    Buying a House in Scotland

    Buying a house in Scotland is slightly different from buying... Read More

    Selling by Owner Escrow or Closing Checklist

    Home sellers should keep on top of their pending sale;... Read More

    How To Find Your Dream Home In Belize

    Shopping for property in Belize is not as simple an... Read More

    Conventional Financing For Wholesale Deals

    This info is very important for both new and experienced... Read More

    Real Estate Investing Is A Better Gamble Than The Lottery

    Real estate investing begins when you move to the starting... Read More

    Seller Financing - Six Safety Tips

    Why offer seller financing when you sell? A higher price,... Read More

    The Benefits of A Real Estate Agent 101

    Buying and selling property is not as easy as you... Read More

    Buying Rental Property - Avoid Sellers Tricks

    Be careful when buying rental property. We stayed at a... Read More

    Sellers, Are You Having A Hard Time Selling Your Home?

    Sue and Chuck DeFiore have the perfect solution for you... Read More

    Foreclosure

    Foreclosure under a mortgage requires a court ordered sale conducted... Read More

    Choosing a Realtor

    Purchasing a property, either as an investor or as a... Read More

    Evil Gains Entry

    When we open our doors to strangers, we can never... Read More

    Homes For Sell By Owner ? FSBOs and Buyer Brokers

    You're selling your home as a FSBO (for sale by... Read More

    Real Estate Marketing, Do You Use Direct Mail?

    Prospecting for leads is by far the most difficult part... Read More