|
What to look for in a Professional Home Inspector
|
| |
Questions that should be asked of a prospective home inspector: |
|
|
What is the inspector's experience? How many years have they been in the business and how many inspections do they do a year? |
|
|
Exclusively inspections?
Beware of contractors who do house inspections "on the side"--they may be looking for work! |
|
|
What type of report?
Will it be written or oral or both? Will the report contain suggestions for remedying deficiencies? |
|
|
How long will it take?
A good house inspection should take between 2 and 4 hours, depending on the size of the house. |
|
|
What will be included in the inspection? See "What to look for in a professional home inspection" below. |
|
|
What certifications do they have?
Are they ASHI certified? |
|
|
Does the inspector have Errors and Omissions Insurance? This gives you some level of protection should there be an "error or omission"
in the inspection--meaning the inspector missed something. |
|
What to look for in a Professional Home
Inspection
|
| |
A competent and professional inspection will include a minimum
of the following: |
|
|
Foundation:
How is the structural integrity of the foundation? Is there any evidence of cracks, shifting, or moisture problems? |
|
|
General Construction:
How is the quality of the general construction? |
|
|
Exterior: Is
the house in need of exterior repairs or maintenance? |
|
|
Plumbing: How
is the condition of the overall plumbing system? Any evidence of leaks or water pressure problems? |
|
|
Electrical:
Do any dangerous electrical situations exist? Are there apparent code violations in the electrical system? |
|
|
Heating and Cooling Systems:
What are the ages of the systems? Are the systems adequate for the size of the house? Have they been maintained
properly? |
|
|
Interior: Do
doors and windows open and close properly? Are floors firm and level? |
|
|
Kitchen: Are
appliances functioning properly? Is the plumbing, including the dishwasher connection, in good repair? |
|
|
Baths: Is the
floor solid? Are there any evidence of previous or current water leaks? Is the plumbing in good repair? |
|
|
Attached structures:
What is the condition of any attached structure (sheds, decks, garages, etc.) |
|
|
Roof: What
is the approximate age of the roof? What is the estimated remaining life of the roof? What is the condition of
the roofing structure as well as the shingles? |
