Home Inspectors - Don't Get Swindled

Home Inspectors

 

Swindlers exist in every industry — and home inspection is not immune. Unfortunately, home inspection is not regulated consistently in all states. There are also schools and Internet sites that offer credentials which make it appear that your home inspector is qualified, when he fact, he may not be. For example, recently a web site popped up offering to “certify” anyone as a Master Inspector for $175.  

 

Buying a home is the largest financial commitment most people will make in their lifetimes. This isn't the time to worry about being swindled by the person who is supposed to be protecting you from a home full of defects. And that's just what a good home inspector can be – a great asset.  

 

How do you keep from hiring a bad or unqualified inspector in the first place? Take time to educate yourself. Talk to your real estate agent about home inspections or take a real estate class. Ask your real estate friends and co-workers for references. They can tell you who to look to and who to stay away from.   Here are a few questions you might consider asking of a potential home inspector you're thinking about hiring:

• Experience and education (what credentials do they hold and what organizations awarded them)?
• Are they full time inspectors? How many inspections do they perform in an average year?
• Can you attend the inspection with them and ask questions during their inspection?
• Can you see a sample of what their report looks like?
• Ask if they have had complaints or lawsuits against them. Do some homework with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB logs complaints against companies in your area, including home inspectors.
• Although most people will ask about price first, it should be the last question asked in a financial transaction this large. Typically the cost of the inspection is only 1%-2% of the total transaction value.

 

Many inspections will uncover issues many times the fee charged.  Just do your homework.  Don't be afraid to check around and ask for references.