Top Ten Questions for Your Home Inspector

In a perfect world, homes would stand for decades without any problems. Unfortunately, many home owners know too well that this is not the case. You will need a trained and trusted inspector to review your new home to make sure that it is exactly what you want it to be. Below you will see ten questions that you will want to ask your home inspector.

Question 1: What does your inspection cover?

Answer: Your home inspector will make sure that his or her report falls within the guidelines set up by the state, if there are applicable requirements. You will be able to see a copy of the requirements ahead of time, should your wish. If there are any areas you want to make sure are inspected, be sure to identify them upfront.

Question 2: How long have you been practicing in the home inspection profession and how many inspections have you completed?

Answer: Your inspector should be able to provide his or her history in the profession and perhaps even a few names as referrals. Newer and even less experienced inspectors can be very qualified, and many work with a partner or have access to more experienced inspectors to assist them in the inspection.

Question 3: Are you specifically experienced in residential inspection?

Answer: Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection. If the inspection is for a commercial property, then this should be asked about as well.

Question 4: Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection?

Answer: Some inspector associations and state regulations allow the inspector to perform repair work on problems uncovered in the inspection. Other associations and regulations strictly forbid this as a conflict of interest.

Question 5: How long will the inspection take?

Answer: The average, on-site inspection time for a single inspector is two to three hours for a typical single-family house; anything significantly less may not be enough time to perform a thorough inspection. Additional inspectors may be brought in for very large properties and buildings.

Question 6: How much will it cost?

Answer: Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, the size and age of the house, the scope of services and other factors. A typical range might be $300 to $500 but consider the value of the home inspection in terms of the investment being made.

Question 7: What type of inspection report do you provide and how long will it take to receive the report?

Answer: Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector’s reporting style. Most inspectors provide their full report within 24 hours of the inspection.

Question 8: Will I be able to attend the inspection?

Answer: This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector’s refusal to allow this should raise a red flag. Never pass up this opportunity to see your prospective home through the eyes of an expert.

Question 9: Do you maintain membership in a professional home inspector association?

Answer: There are many state and national associations for home inspectors. Request to see their membership ID, and perform whatever due diligence you deem appropriate.

Question 10: Do you participate in continuing education programs to keep your expertise up to date?

Answer: One can never know it all, and the inspector’s commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his or her professionalism and service to the consumer. This is especially important in cases where the home is much older or includes unique elements requiring additional or updated training.

_{Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development}