Tips for
Choosing an Inspector
Unfortunately the home inspection industry is plagued by
incompetent inspectors. Most states, including Virginia, do not
require licensing. Anyone can call him or herself a home inspector. Therefore,
it's important to screen and qualify an inspector before hiring him or her. It's worth the effort to find a seasoned professional. The
following questions can assist you.
Is the inspector experienced?
A full-time inspector who performs 250 or
more inspections per year and has many years of experience is most desirable.
Is the inspector knowledgeable?
An inspector must have full working
knowledge of every system in a home. Most inspectors had formal
training in just one trade. To become inspectors they had to cross-train in
all the other relevant trades. The more knowledgeable inspectors
were trained to operate as general contractors. These are good
bases to build from. One does not acquire this kind of knowledge by
taking a few courses or reading a book. A good rule of thumb is to
look for ten years of combined formal training and on-the-job experience in
related fields.
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Which inspector will the inspection company send?
When dealing with an inspection company the
reputations of both the company and the inspector who is assigned to your home
are important. Request that an experienced inspector be assigned
rather than a new one.
Is the inspector covered by Errors and Omissions Insurance and General Liability
Insurance?
Errors and Omissions Insurance, otherwise know as Professional
Liability, is similar in concept to Doctor's Malpractice Insurance.
Inspectors are human beings too and they can make mistakes. If a significant
error in judgment is made, it could mean a substantial expense to you in terms
of necessary repairs. You may expect the inspection company to take
responsibility for the cost of the repair, BUT, if the company is like most it
is small and probably does not have the financial strength to cover any
significant repair costs. If the company is covered by E&O, you
stand a much better chance of recovering repair expenses. The purpose of
E&O Insurance is to protect both you and the company from financial
hardship. This type of insurance is expensive and not all companies carry it!
All
companies should carry General Business Liability. This insurance is general
in nature and covers, among other things, accidents, like falling through a
ceiling onto a baby grand piano.
Do not be afraid to ask for a copy of the
policies.
How long does the inspection take?
Ask how long the inspection will take and
how many other inspections will be performed on the same day as yours. If
the inspection takes less than 2 hours find another inspector. Performing
a thorough inspection is very tiring, so arrange to be the first or second one
of the day.
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How much does the inspection cost?
This is one area where you do not want to
nickel and dime. A well-established, full-time professional inspector is
going to be at the high end of the spectrum. Several hundred
dollars is a small price to pay to get the best protection you can for perhaps
the biggest purchase of your life.
What type of report do you get and when do you get it?
You may want to ask this question since
there are several answers. An inspection should include a signed report that
describes what was inspected and the condition of each inspected item. Some
inspectors use a checklist type of form with stock responses. Some use a
combination checklist and narrative form which will provide more information
specific to each home.
An important question to ask is, "When
do I get the report?" Reports are usually delivered to you
on-site. Some computer-generated reports may be delivered on site but are
generally delivered within a few working days. You want to know up front
how long you can expect to wait for it.
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Is the inspector affiliated with any organizations?
There are many local, state, and national
organizations that an inspector can join as well as many franchises that an
inspector can purchase. However, membership in any organization does not
guarantee a quality inspector. In the end, the individual inspector's
experience and knowledge will determine the quality of the inspection.
Membership in and certification by The American Society of Home Inspectors is generally
thought of as the most meaningful.
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