Make sure you hire a qualified Home Inspector

All types of homes should have a professional home inspection completed before you purchase it. The problem is finding a home inspector who can give you an accurate observation of the property, so you know whether or not to go forward with the purchase.

Choosing the wrong home inspector could become a nightmare worst case or end up costing you years of emotional distress or heartache. I have heard of thousands of these type stories where the home inspector was not qualified to perform the inspection.

Please keep in mind, according to the National Association of Home Inspectors there are no licensing standards or regulations for home inspectors in 21 states and the District of Columbia.

While regulations and licensing for home inspectors in some states insure a minimum level of competency, this does not guarantee that your inspection will be done properly. This is why it’s so important to do your homework before hiring a home inspector.

When looking for home inspection companies ask them several questions to qualify them such as:

1. How long have you been doing inspections
2. Are you state licensed or a member of a inspection organization (more on reputable organizations)
3. Do you have Errors and Omissions Insurance
4. Do you have General Liability Insurance
5. Are you ICC code certified
6. What kind of Home Inspection Report do you offer
7. Will you be completing the inspection
8. Can you show proof of all of the above

I’d look for a certified inspector who belongs to one of the following organizations (If their state does not require licensing and even if it does) the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), InterNational Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI), or National Association of Home Inspectors (NAHI). A certified Full Member inspector must pass written tests, have performed paid inspectors, and take continuing education courses. ASHI, InterNACHI, and NAHI have a set of standards and code of ethics members must follow or adhere to.