One of the most important people you will meet in the purchase of a home is your home inspector. While most people have their homes inspected, many don't really think about the person inspecting the home. We've heard horror stories of inspectors who miss major defects, skip over major problems or find problems that they can fix for a small fee. But these aren't reasons not to have your home inspected. They are reasons to look more closely at your home inspector choices. It is important to make sure that your home inspector is well trained and insured, especially since he or she will help you decide whether or not this investment is a good one for you. Look for the following things in a home inspector: - Your inspector should be properly trained in all aspects of home inspection and is up to date in changes in residential construction techniques and systems.
- The inspector should be certified by a reputable training institute. He or she should test annually, such as required by the National Institue of Building Inspectors.
- The inspector must have insurance coverage. This includes general liability, worker's compensatio and Errors and Omissions insurance. If you find an inspector that doesn't carry the E and O insurance, it is an indication that the inspector has no formal training or a poor track record in the industry. It is the same as malpractice insurance for doctors.
- The inspector should be willing to provide a written guarantee to back up his or her inspection findings.
- An inspector should only be an inspector. You don't ever want to do business with an inspector who is also a contractor. This gives a conflict of interest, an opportunity for repairs made for problems found.
The inspector is very important. You want to make sure that you are doing business with someone reputable. Even if he says he is certified, you must make sure that there is insurance in place. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If the inspector is hauty or doesn't want to answer easily, look for another inspector. After all, this is a major purchase. You want the best people on your team. |
