Not all home inspection companies are created equal.  Consumers often rely on local inspector association memberships or licensing to assure them that they are getting a qualified inspector.  While licensing and trade association membership is a good first step in evaluating an inspection firm, it’s not the ONLY qualification to look for.  Most licensing or inspector associations do not require professional liability insurance, annual re-testing or on-going technical support.  The following list of credentials has been prepared to help consumers evaluate and select the most qualified home inspection service.

Limited Inspection Guarantee:

     The company you select should stand behind their inspector’s work.  Such a guarantee assures you that the inspector was properly trained and that a thorough inspection was performed.

 Questions To Ask:

·         Does your company stand behind your inspection reports?

·         Does the company include a complimentary written limited guarantee with each inspection report?

·         How will the company handle deficiencies found after purchase?

Formally Trained Inspectors:

        There is no one background that fully trains an individual for all the different conditions that may exist in a home.  Regardless of the technical background of the inspectors, ALL HOME INSPECTORS should be required to be formally trained in home inspections ?

Questions To Ask:

·         What kind of formal training do your inspectors receive?

·         What is the extent of their on-going training?

·         Are your inspectors certified?

Reputation:

        The company you select should have solid experience and enjoy an impeccable reputation for integrity and thoroughness.  Only years of service and dedication can achieve those goals.

 Questions to Ask:

·         How long has the company been in the home inspection business?

·         How many inspections have they performed?

·         Is the company a member of the Better Business Bureau?

Insurance:

        One of the most important credentials to look for in selecting a home inspection company is their insurance coverage.  Errors and Omissions insurance is like malpractice insurance to cover inspector negligence.  General Liability insurance protects you should the inspector damage something (like an expensive vase) while at the inspection site.  Employing an inspector without these essential insurance policies shifts incredible liability to you, the buyer.

 Questions To Ask:

·         Are your inspectors covered by E&O Insurance?

·         Does the company carry General Liability Insurance?

 On-Site Report:

        The home inspection company you choose should encourage your attendance on the inspection and should provide you with a comprehensive written report at the completion of the inspection.  You should verify that all the major elements will be accurately described in the report and not just rated as functional or not functional.  Your inspection report should give the approximate ages of all the major elements of the home as well as an estimated life span of those elements.  A vague inspection report makes it difficult to negotiate repairs.

 Questions To Ask:

·         Can I accompany the inspector on the inspection?

·         Will you provide me with a professional inspection report immediately after the inspection?

·         Will your report reflect the ages of all the major elements?

Guidance After The Inspection           

 The home inspection service should offer you additional information beyond the home inspection regarding home repairs and maintenance.  It is estimated that every home will require 1% to 3% of the cost of the home in annual maintenance.

 Questions To Ask:

·         Does your company provide me with any post-inspection home maintenance information?

·         Does the company have a full-time technical staff to help us with post-inspection advice?

·         Does the company offer a useful website to help owners manage home/appliance maintenance and servicing?

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON QUALITY INSPECTIONS CALL:  905-732-5075 OR VISIT WWW.HOUSEMASTER.COM

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