Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Inspector

Certified Home Inspections prides itself on providing the home buyer or seller a comprehensive and impartial residential inspection.Certified-Logo1 Some home inspection companies will breeze through the inspection process to please the realtor and the results can be alarming. We have created a way to satisfy the realtor and perform a thorough home inspection for the buyer or seller simultaneously. Here is a helpful list to guide you on your quest.

“Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Inspector”

1. What does the inspection cover?

Make sure your inspector explains all of the components that will be inspected during the process. Also, make sure the inspector operates under a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics. For example, they should be a member of NAHI, ASHI, or AHIT ensuring you that they are licensed and will meet all applicable requirements.

2. How long have you been a Home Inspector?

The inspector should provide you with their work history and even a few names as referrals. Asking the inspector to provide the number of home inspections completed is also recommended.

3. Are you a residential or commercial inspector?

A construction or engineering background is helpful but is no substitute for training and expertise in the unique discipline of home inspection. In other words, don’t hire a commercial inspector to inspect your house unless they are trained to do so.

4. Do you offer advice for repairs or replacement of the items that you find not to be operating or in need of repair?

Be careful if the inspector also performs repairs, mold remediation, or Radon mitigation, as this can be a conflict of interest.

5. How long does the inspection take?

The average home inspection take 2 to 3 hours for a typical single-family house; anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough home inspection.

6. How much will this inspection cost?

Call around and compare prices of at least three different inspectors to decide which price best fits your budget. Keep in mind that some inspectors include radon, mold, and /or pest inspection services with the home inspection which adds variables to your quotes. Most inspections range from $300-$500.

7. What type of report do you offer and when do we receive it?

Make sure you are able to understand the inspectors reporting style and that his terminology does not confuse you. Also, ensure yourself that the report will be delivered in a timely manner and will fulfill your need to meet certain deadlines.

8. I am allowed to attend the inspection?

This is a very valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector’s refusal to allow your participation should raise a red flag. A good inspector will welcome your participation throughout the process and take the time to answer all of your questions. This is the perfect time to get to know your house and all of its ins and outs.

9. Are you licensed and insured?

Make sure the home inspector is licensed in the state of Indiana and carries some type of liability insurance.

10. Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?

Some older homes contain unique elements such as boiler systems, knob and tube wiring, and dated methods of framing. Conversely, some newer homes have high-efficiency furnaces, radon mitigation systems and other forms of new technology. Therefore, it is important for the inspector to attend continuing education classes or updated training seminars in order to stay informed about older systems and newer methods that can be found during an inspection.

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