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For Our Visitors
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ASK QUESTIONS BEFORE HIRING A HOME INSPECTOR
Here is a list of questions to ask before hiring a home inspector:
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Q:Is home inspection your only business? A: Make certain that it is in order to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. Many independent inspectors do inspections on a part-time basis to supplement their businesses as contractors, roofers, etc., and their report findings may be suspect. Remember that just because persons are members of ahome inspection society does not mean they are reputable, full-time inspectors with all of the necessary credentials. Call the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any registered complaints agains the local inspection firm or the inspector. |
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Q: Do you carry all of the necessary insurance,
including professional liability (E&O), general liability, and
worker's compensation? A:E&O is the top priority, said Warren Boroson, co-author of the "Home Buyer's Inspection Guide." This malpractice-type insurance protects the inspector (and indirectly the home seller and home buyer and those referring the inspector) against post-inspection legal problems." General liability covers personal liability not covered by the basic E&O policy, and worker's compensation covers the safety of the inspector during the inspection. These types of insurance help buyers feel comfortable with the seller's inspection report. |
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Q: Does your firm offer a written guarantee on
the inspection? A: It's best to hire an inspection company that offers a formal, written guarantee along with the inspection, although not many do. |
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Q: How long does the seller inspection take, and
can I accompany the inspector? A:A professional inspection of the average house takes about 2 1/2 hours. Yes, you should accompany the inspector, since the point of the seller inspection is to see, firsthand, if any problems exist. Quite often the inspector will offer valuable repair/maintenance tips on how to alleviate the problem yourself. Be ware of a home inspector if he or she starts recommending specific people to fix the house. |
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Q:What type of report will I receive and when
will I receive it? A:There are various types of reports given by professional inspectors, including typed narrative (sent to the home buyer within a week), and on-the-spot written reports for those who need or want the information as soon as possible. Don't accept a verbal report without a written backup, since you will have no record of the inspector's findings for future referral. |
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Q:Is the inspector trained or certified by a recognizable
organization? A:With no official government regulation of the home inspection industry, certification by such groups as the National Institute of Building Inspectors ensures that the inspector meets guidelines set forth by the organization. |
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| Source: The Kansas City Star Sunday, July 6, 1997 | |
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