IMPORTANT FAQs To Know Before
Hiring Any Home Inspector

What should one look for in a home inspector? What questions should one ask to prescreen potential home inspectors?

When choosing an inspector to hire, we recommend you talk to the inspector ahead of time and ask the inspector about the services provided and to provide you with professional references. We also recommend that homebuyers be wary of bargain home inspections, and not base their decision on price alone. It is also a good idea to review sample reports to make sure you can understand them.

Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection.

A very important message to Potential Homebuyers. In the state of California there are NO licensing requirements to be a Home Inspector, therefore anyone can call themselves a Home Inspector with little or no training.

Homebuyers can find out if an inspector is an ASHI and/or CREIA member by checking their Web sites, www.ashi.org. or www.creia.org

We recommend that homebuyers ask the following questions:

• Is the inspector a Member of the American Society of Home inspectors (ASHI) and/or the California Real Estate Inspection Association (CREIA)?
  
• What does the inspection cover? - Make sure the inspection and the inspection report meet all applicable requirements and comply with the CREIA and/or ASHI Standards of Practice.
• How long has the inspector been practicing the home inspection profession and how many inspections have they completed?
• Is the inspector specifically experienced in residential inspection? - Related experience in construction or engineering is helpful, but is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection.
• Does the inspector's company offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection? - This is against the CREIA and ASHI Code of Ethics because it might cause a conflict of interest.
• How long will the inspection take? - The average for a single inspector is two to three hours for a typical single-family house; anything less may not be enough time to do a thorough inspection. Some inspection firms send a team of inspectors and the time frame may be shorter.
• How much will it cost? - Costs vary dramatically, depending on the region, size of the house, scope of services and other factors.
• Does the inspector prepare a written report? - Ask to see samples and determine whether or not you can understand the inspector's reporting style.
• Does the inspector encourage the client to attend the inspection? - This is a valuable educational opportunity, and an inspector's refusal to allow this should raise a red flag.
• Does the inspector participate in continuing education programs to keep his or her expertise up to date? - One can never know it all, and the inspector's commitment to continuing education is a good measure of his professionalism and service to the consumer.
• Roughly how much should a purchaser budget for a home inspection? What's the cost typically here in Southern California? Within a given area, the inspection fee may vary depending on a number of factors such as the size of the house, its age and possible optional services offered. Do not let cost be the final factor in deciding whether or not to have a home inspection or in the selection of your home inspector. The sense of security and knowledge gained from an inspection is well worth the cost, and the lowest-priced inspection is not necessarily a bargain. Low cost inspectors are priced that way for a reason. Use the inspector's qualifications, including experience, training, as well as professional affiliations as a guide.
• What does a home inspector do exactly? What should a homebuyer expect from his home inspector?
  A home inspection is an objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation. It is not an appraisal, which determines market value. It is not a municipal inspection, which verifies local code compliance.
  The home inspector should inspect readily accessible, visually observable, installed systems and components and report to the homebuyer any that are not functioning properly, are significantly deficient, unsafe, or are near the end of their service lives.
  A quality inspector will also make recommendations to correct components, or monitor for future correction items needing further evaluation.
  The standard home inspector's report will cover the condition of the home's heating system; central air conditioning system (temperature permitting); interior plumbing and electrical systems; the roof, attic and visible insulation; walls, ceilings, floors, windows and doors; the foundation, basement and structural components. Also, the report should give the reasoning or explanation as to the nature of any deficiencies.
  Lastly, a home inspector will not fail a house, but rather the inspector will provide a report describing its physical condition and indicate what components and systems may need major repair or replacement. In accordance with the CREIA and ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, these defects are not reported to anyone other than their client unless the client gives permission to do so.

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