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eHow; How to Select the Right Home Inspector
Step 1Are you licensed?
The following states require a license to be a home inspector: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin.
The following states do not require a license to be a home inspector: California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Utah, Vermont, Wyoming.
Step 2
Do you belong to any trade associations? I have included links to the major home inspector trade associations at the bottom of the page in the links section.
Step 3
Can I see a copy of your home inspection report? At a minimum the home inspection report should include items relating to the foundation of the property, plumbing, electrical issues, roofing, appliances, doors, windows, patios, decks, basements, etc.
Step 4
Experience is crucial. Ask them what qualifies them to be a home inspector? How long have they been doing residential home inspections? Don't ask them how long, ask them how many. You want a home inspector who has performed several thousands of home inspections. Our current inspectors in MN have performed about 12,000 home inspections.
Step 5
When will I receive my home inspection?
Some home inspectors carry laptops, cameras and printers and can give you a report on the spot. Some choose to email or fax to you within a day or two.
Step 6
Do you also offer other services?
Some home inspectors also offer termite inspections, radon and/ or mold testing. You may be able to negotiate a discount if you have all your inspections done by the same individual, not to mention time.
Step 7
How long will the inspection take? The time will depend on the size of the property, but typically a home inspection should last between 2-3 hours. We're pretty thorough so our inspections generally will take at least 3 hours depending on the age and condition of the property.
Step 8
Do your due diligence. Check the Better Business Bureau for complaints and make sure to do a google search for the name of the inspector and the name of the company to check for negative remarks. Ask for references and check them. We agree 100% with this statement.
Step 9
How much will the inspection cost? Ask the price beforehand and get him/her to stick to that price. Many home inspectors charge by the size of the property. They may ask you questions such as square feet or is it a condo or townhouse or single-family house? I have seen prices ranging from $250 - $500.
Step 10
Are you or your company covered by errors and omission insurance? They should have errors and omissions insurance in case they miss something. This is a great question. Most home inspectors are sole proprietorship and carry little or no insurance.
Step 11
A note about home inspectors recommended by real estate agents. Most real estate agents will recommend a few home inspectors. Typically they have worked with them in the past and have had a good experience with them. If you do not feel comfortable using these home inspectors there are plenty of other qualified home inspectors available to you. If you do decide to go with one of these inspectors, they should have to pass the same vetting process as any other home inspector. So where do you get qualified candidates if you will not be using your agent's suggested list? Start by going to the trade associations listed below or by going to your states licensing board to get licensed home inspection candidates.
How to Select the Right Home Inspector | eHow.comTo schedule your next home inspection call 651-489-4633
Minnesotahomeinspectors.com
