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HOW TO CHOOSE A PROPERTY INSPECTOR
A good home inspector is:
Experienced
Professionally qualified
Not in the business of repairing defects discovered during an inspection.
A member of a professional home inspectors association like ASHI® (American Society of Home Inspectors 1-800-743-2744)
Covered by errors and omissions insurance
Willing to have you attend the inspection
Able to provide a comprehensive home inspection
Willing to provide at least three references
Able to provide a written report within two or three days
Available to answer your questions in the future.
Dian Hymer: Starting out- The Complete Home Buyer's Guide
Selecting your inspector
The American Society of Home Inspectors® (ASHI) is a professional association of independent home inspectors. Just because an inspector is an ASHI® member doesn't guarantee that you'll get a good inspection, but it certainly increases the likelihood that you'll be working with a qualified professional. You can't just plunk down a membership fee and join. All ASHI®-certified members have performed at least 250 property inspections and have passed two written proficiency exams as a prerequisite of membership. ASHI members must also adhere to ASHI's standards of practice, continuing education requirements, and code of ethics. To find members in your area, call ASHI at 800-743-2744 or check ashi.com
Eric Tyson & Ray Brown: Home Buying for Dummies
How to choose a home inspector
Choosing a qualified and ethical home inspector is the newest challenge facing buyers in today's real estate market, according to a recent statement by Jules Falcone, spokesperson for the American Society of Home Inspectors®. ASHI®, a non-profit professional society made up of individual, independent home inspectors, is the only international organization which tests and screens inspectors based on technical and professional requirements. ASHI grants membership only to those who meet its demanding criteria. Falcone stated that in today's booming home inspection marketplace, not every home inspector is truly qualified to perform inspections, and that ASHI® membership is therefore the most important prerequisite to look for in selecting a home inspector. "Most consumers are not able to judge the professional qualifications and experience of a home inspector, and can be too easily impressed by a good sales pitch or contrived testimonials." The home inspector's best training, Falcone said, doesn't come from a book, it comes from field experience. "Neither warranties nor insurance policies can take the place of the knowledge and experience gained from such hands-on education," Falcone declared, "and that's what makes a truly qualified home inspector."
A qualified home inspector, he explained, is a generalist who knows how a home's many systems and components work together and how they stand the test of time.
A professional home inspector who is a member of ASHI® has the expertise to tell the buyer not only whether the electrical service is proper and has the necessary protection devices, but if it needs to be updated. He can identify wet basement problems and recommend solutions. He can explain the importance of attic and house ventilation to protect the building's structure, and how to conserve energy without "suffocating" the house. And, along the way, he'll provide valuable maintenance advice to help the home buyer preserve and enjoy his or her new home in the years to come.
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