The 7 BIGGEST Mistakes People Make Hiring Home Inspectors pt2

Mistake No. 2- All Inspectors are Not Created Equal

Every home inspector brings different qualifications and skills to the table.  Some of those inspectors are truly impressive.  But like anything else, you have the other end of the spectrum.  A client of mine summed it up better than I can:

"Paul,     We wanted to thank you for your thorough inspection.  We were impressed with the time you spent to explain the systems in the home we purchased.  You patiently answered our questions and gave us a very good idea of the good and not so good features of the house.  We are happy with our new home and feel that your inspection was an excellent value. The instant report on disk was very helpful.  The young couple that bought our house in Colfax were not so fortunate.  The inspector that they hired did very shoddy work.  The only tools he brought were a flashlight, and a digital camera.  He didn't even bring a ladder.  His report suggested that the roofing be inspected even though it was installed two weeks prior to the inspection.  He thought the architectural composite roofing looked "funny" but refused my offer of a ladder to inspect it more closely.  He never inspected the wiring and only flushed one toilet to inspect the plumbing.  It was obvious he was just going through the motions to collect his fee.  Again, thank-you for a job well done and a great value!" ~Rick and Kathy "

 You have to take the time to ask about the inspectors qualifications.  Not all will belong to a certifying organization.  Most organizations are marketing devices - some more so than others.  Ask anyway.  If they don't belong to ASHI, NAHI or equivalent, ask why not.  They should be able to explain clearly why.

If your state has licensure, your inspector must be licensed.  Anything less is not acceptable.  I work in two states, Idaho and Washington.  In Idaho, I could send out my 13 year old daughter with a clipboard and flashlight and call her an inspector.  There are literally no requirements.  Washington is marginally better, requiring a Structural Pest Inspector license - though as of 2010, inspectors will have to pass new testing for full licensure.

Some states, like New York and Texas, have high standards for inspectors.  Right now, about 34 states have some form of licensing on the books.  Check with your State Department of Licensing to make sure the inspector is current.

This is your first protection in looking for quality inspectors.  The second is to talk to them.  Some will be busy.  I don't answer my phone if I am with a client but return calls as soon as possible.  Ask them what experience they have in building inspection and building sciences. 

Ask what special services they offer and whether training was required to acquire the skills for those inspections.  Many mold inspectors know next to nothing about their subject other than "Mold is Gold". 

Ask them how long they have been in business, are they full-time, and get a copy of one of their reports.  Some reports will blow you away with detail (I know one inspector that types up an 80 page narrative report for each home he does!  The downside is it takes three days to get the report and he charges $800. per inspection) and other will be five pages of checks in the "Satisfactory" category.  One Realtor confided to me that one report had everything was marked marginal - with no reasons or remedies offered.  The report will give you a great insight on how the inspector thinks.

A good inspector is going to be able to communicate with you and, more importantly, will want to.  In person and in writing. 

NOTE:  For an example, check my sample report online at www.yournwinspector.com and click on the Sample tab.  That will take you to the Samples page where you can see several of my reports on different styles of homes.

Talk to your inspector. Check his report.