10 Questions To Ask When Selecting A Home Inspector
 

1) What kind of formal INSPECTION training have you had?

I am certified by the American Institute of Inspectors. This requires both classroom and field training and written and inspection testing. I have continued my training to include Mobile Homes, Phase 1 Environmental Screenings, Commercial Inspections, Pest Inspections, Radon Testing, and Lead Inspector/Lead Risk Assessor.

2) Are you a member of any inspector's trade associations?

Since there is no state licensing required in New York to become a Home Inspector, the buyer must beware of those without proper credentials. Be sure to ask them for the name and phone number of the Association, as well as their own certification number. Then call and verify. I am a certified member of the American Institute of Inspectors (AII).Their phone number is 1-800-877-4770 and my certification number is 1550.

3) Can you make repairs if they are needed?

If the inspector say "yes"-- BEWARE! They may have a vested interest in the outcome of their report. I don't do repairs and I don't make estimates. I have a strict Code of Ethics from AII which forbids any actions that could be interpreted as a conflict of interest.

4) How long does your inspection take?

My structured inspection generally takes 2 to 3 hours to complete. I strictly adhere to the Standards of Practice outlined by AII and the extra investment of time assures you of not only the highest quality inspection but the same thorough inspection every time.

5) Do you have a written guarantee that your report is accurate?

Most home inspectors have nothing but disclaimers, or they are simply unaware of the liability they are assuming. I have a service agreement which clearly outlines my responsibilities. I perform a visual inspection and evaluate the condition of the components of the home based upon the simple criteria of durability and serviceability. The standards that I am responsible to report are contained in the Standards of Practice as published by AII.

6) What happens if you honestly miss something?

We strive to do our very best, yet realize that we are only human and prone to occasionally making mistakes. Therefore, we stand by our work, and right the wrongs which we may make. We have built our business on performing the highest quality home inspections and we have an extremely long list of satisfied buyers, sellers and agents, one of which probably referred you to our service.

7) Do you go over the report in person with the buyer?

I prefer to walk the property with the buyer at the conclusion of the inspection to show them firsthand anything discovered during the inspection. I have found that this is the key to giving a buyer peace of mind about their property. When the buyer is out of the area, I take extra time to include digital pictures to help convey the item in the report. When necessary I also go through the report with my client over the phone page by page.

8) What kind of report do you use?

I have a state-of-the-art computer generated report. I am able to take advantage of laptop technology to create a report that is easy to understand and quite comprehensive. This type of report points out the strengths and weaknesses of the home and the digital pictures help to convey the severity of the reported items.

9) When do I get the report?

With modern day internet technology I am able to e-mail the PDF version of the report in full color the same evening of the inspection. In rare cases where client technology is limited I can either fax or snail mail the report.

10) How much is your fee?

This is sometimes the first question asked and yet it tells the least about the inspector. It has never been my goal to be the cheapest inspector in town--only the best. I have always felt that the buyer deserves the highest value for his investment dollar. I set my fees according to the size, age and components of the home. My inspection fees generally range from $235 to $535. A quality computer generated inspection may require a higher investment, but the information it will provide will save you both money and time by eliminating unnecessary headaches later on.