Finding the Right Home Inspector

So you've searched for and found a house and your offer was accepted, congratulations! Now you have to find a home inspector. Your agent may offer some suggestions, you might search the internet or the yellow pages. You find the terms NAHI, NACHI, INTERNACHI, ASHI and a ton of others you don't know. What do they all mean?

They are the associations the inspectors belong to. See, many states including Minnesota do not require licensing or any other certifications of home inspectors. You could literally hire someone to inspect your $300,000 investment who has never shown competency in the home inspection industry. They may literally be inspecting their first house...yours.

Not all associations are the same. Some provide "online certification" in as little time as 30 minutes. Some only require you pay a fee and they're instantly a member.

ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors is a national professional association of home inspectors and building professionals who examine and report on the physical condition of existing buildings, with focus on residential properties including single family homes and smaller multi-family dwellings.

ASHI certification requires a combination of education, specialized training in home inspection topics, experience, passing a certification exam, maintaining continuing education credits, and agreeing to abide by a national code of ethics for home inspectors.

• · ASHI is the only home inspection association to achieve this accredited status.
• · ASHI Certified Inspectors are the only home inspectors who have completed a recognized certification process.
• · Third-party certification validates ASHI member qualifications and professional competence.

Keep in mind there are differences in ASHI members. Make sure your inspector is an ASHI CERTIFIED Home Inspector. The others may only be Candidates or Candidates with Logo Use. The latter two have not passed the educational, experience or exam requirements that the ASHI Certified Home Inspectors have.

http://www.minnesotahomeinspectors.com

How Safe is your Deck?

Your deck is the perfect place to enjoy the warm weather with friends and loved ones. But an unsafe deck could possibly collapse, causing serious injuries to you and your guests.

The number of deck failures and resulting injuries has been increasing at an alarming rate. Between 2000 and 2008, there were at least 30 deaths reported as a direct result of deck collapses, and more than 75 percent of people on a deck when it collapses are injured or killed. With 40 million decks in the United States that are more than 20 years old, it's important for homeowners to check their deck.

The North American Deck and Railing Association is dedicated to increasing public awareness of the necessity for regular inspection and maintenance of existing decks and proper installation of new decks.

A key element of enjoying your deck for years to come is making sure it is safe and code compliant. NADRA's "10-Point Consumer Safety Checklist" is an efficient way to take a good look at the different parts of your deck, with an eye to what might need maintenance, repair or replacement. Safety first, fun second -- make sure your deck is safe to enjoy.

You might also consider a professional inspection. "A professional inspection will examine every inch of your deck, provide information on your deck's capacity limits, identify any dangerous problem areas and give you a map of what to keep your eye on in the future. If your deck is older, this might include a regular deck inspection schedule," says Mike Beaudry, executive vice president for NADRA.

Older decks require closer scrutiny. Many of these decks were built before code requirements were in place to protect consumers. Some of these decks may have deck-to-house attachments using only nails. If your deck is older, it is even more important to have it inspected by either a home inspector (NADRA recommends ASHI-certified home inspectors) or a knowledgeable deck builder (see the listing at nadra.org). NADRA member deck builders are required to adhere to a code of ethics and comply with state licensing and insurance requirements.

If you find your deck is not safe to enjoy, NADRA advises taking immediate action to have it repaired or rebuilt as necessary.

To choose a deck builder, NADRA offers the following tips:

* Ask friends and family members for referrals and contact state and local licensing authorities and trade associations such as NADRA.

* Meet with and carefully evaluate all potential deck builders. Ask to see a portfolio and some samples of the decking and railing materials they prefer to use. Good builders take pride in their work and will be enthusiastic about the possibility of creating a relationship.

* Pay attention to the deck builder's experience, licensing, insurance coverage and professional references.

When hiring a deck builder, there is more to consider than just price. In addition to the tips above, NADRA recommends homeowners contact their city or county building department to speak with an inspector knowledgeable about deck construction.

For more information visit www.nadra.org

Minnesotahomeinspectors.com