Tips for your Home Inspection

An inspection may seem like an inconvenient cost when buying a home, but in the long run it can save you a lot of money and heartache.

An inspector, if they do their job well, will make you aware of issues with your prospective home, such as needed repairs or structural damage. If the inspector finds problems with the home, you may decide you can overlook them, you may try to negotiate the price of the home in anticipation of costs associated with the problems, or you may decide the house is not for you and keep looking. The point is that you are aware of the problems before they become yours to solve.
 
Finding an Inspector

Now that you know why you need a home inspection, how do you find a good home inspector?
 
Hire Your Own:

A seller may offer up an inspection report. While they may have the best intentions, it is always better to hire an individual you've vetted who is working for you.
 
Certification:

Ask your inspector if they hold any certifications or memberships that qualify them as a home inspector. An inspector can be accredited through the American Society of Home Inspectors. In addition, they may be a member of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors.
 
Experience:

Ask how long they have been inspecting homes and request they provide references. In addition, ask if home inspection is their primary occupation.
 
Comprehensiveness:

What does the inspector cover in their inspection report? They should be able to provide you with a list. In addition, ask how long the inspector thinks the inspection should take. A normal inspection should take as long as 2 to 3 hours.
 
Errors and Omissions Insurance:

Even the best inspectors make mistakes, so ask if your inspector carries errors and omissions coverage.
 
The Inspection

Once you are ready for the inspection, make sure you are present when it occurs. Ask questions and pay attention to comments the inspector makes as you walk through the home. While a good inspector should have a camera, you may also want to bring your own to keep record and help you remember where the inspector found problems.
 
Finally, make sure you thoroughly read the inspection report. It may elaborate on problems the inspector pointed out during the inspection, or even include issues the inspector failed to mention during the walk through.

(reprinted from W.J. Bradley's Insight)