1. Is the inspector a member of a home inspector
trade association?
2.
Does the inspector conform with local and state requirements?
3. How many inspections has the inspector performed?
4. How long has the inspector been performing full fee paid inspections?
5.
Does the inspector have any formal training and do
they maintain continuing education in the industry?
6. What is the inspector's background, contractor? engineer? What qualifies them to
inspect homes.
7. Does their company carry errors and omission (E&O) insurance?
8.
Are they a full time inspector?
9.
How long should the inspection take? The average is
one hour per thousand square feet, however this can vary depending on the house and the parties present.
10.
Does the inspector get on roofs when possible? Does
the inspector get in crawlspaces when accessible?
11. Let the inspector describe and educate you about their inspection and why you should
choose them.
12. Shy
away from inspectors that criticize their competition.
13. Don't
go with the lowest price, go with the best qualifications.
14. Finally what
kind of report will you receive and most important when will you receive it? Most home inspection companies offer onsite reports.
Many will provide a preventive maintenance manual for you as well.
