How To Find A Qualified Home Inspector?
Once you have decided to buy a house it is essential that you get it inspected and get a written report on it, which you can consider before you actually make the purchase. The home inspection needs to be done by a person who is qualified to do so, and making your choice of a home inspector could be very vital, as the correct person would help you to buy a really good home.
See that the home inspector you have chosen is properly qualified. They are generally architects or engineers, though you may even find some who have specially trained for this work in inspection schools. Ask your realty agent for a list of such home inspectors in that area, or ask friends to refer them if they have been through the process recently.
Ask the home inspector for a sample of reports that he has made for his earlier clients. This will give you a fair idea of his expertise, his language, and whether he has been thorough in the job and inspected all parts of the house. His reports must be clear and have recommendations that are sensible and any further reference that he has made to other professionals is to people who are reputed in the field.
Check whether the home inspector has had formal training in home inspection. It should include class room training as well as actual field visits. Be careful if a home inspector claims to have done a self help course, or only presents you with recommendations. These could be false.
Call and interview the home inspector personally. You should feel comfortable with him and his ability to communicate.
Insist on being present when he conducts the inspection. If the inspector is not comfortable with this, you should be careful, as he may be in the habit of making very cursory inspections. He should be able to explain to you every thing that he does and his reasoning for doing it. This way you can be sure that all aspects are being looked after in the proper professional manner.
The home inspector you choose should have sufficient experience in the field and be able to give you within 24 hours of the inspection a detailed report on each aspect of the home inspection, and in a narrative manner that is easy to read and understand.
Do not base your decision on the home inspector, purely on the rates that he is quoting. After all the final cost of inspection could be a very small amount compared to the cost of the home you are buying or even the cost of the repairs and changes that he suggests. A well qualified and experienced home inspector would cost you more, but in the final analysis this is worth it.
Meet the inspector at the house and carry your own notes detailing what you think needs his attention. This way during or after the inspection you can be sure that all aspects have been looked at and that the inspection report would be adequate.
If your home inspector is the member of any professional association, it is a good thing. You can always refer to that association in case of a dispute or problem with the inspection.