Getting A Home Inspection!

          The first reason that comes to mind when I think of hiring a Home Inspector is to gain an edge from their knowledge. Armed with this knowledge of the property I am considering, it gives me a certain level of negotiating power in the deal and a good knowledge of my future property. Most people hire a Home Inspector to look at things they know nothing about. Some people hire them because their state laws, or mortgage lenders require them to. (We feel the government needs to get off the backs of the people. Useless regulations need to go away. But then we are strong independent minded Americans)

An Home Inspection can be a good tool.

          If you have a good working knowledge of how a house is put together, and the operation of it's systems, then a home inspector is not for you. If on the other hand you are knowledge deficient in this area then you may want to hire one of these guys. Most of the websites I see for Home Inspectors try to sell on fear. You know -  the "Hire me to inspect or you'll buy a house that will fall down in a year" types. I also love the ones about Radon, or Termites!  The sky is falling, The sky is falling. I consider these guys the used car sales types and stay away. They may be good inspectors but the hard line sales is a turn off for me. 

          Make sure they are licensed and belong to one of the major national associations. ASHI - The American Society of Home Inspectors is probably the biggest one. Ask about his training and experience. Ask about his Ethics. Ask to see a copy of a recent inspection report. They may have a copy on their website for you to view. As far as price is concerned, remember the lowest price does not mean the worst inspector and the highest price does not mean the best inspector. There are many things to take into account when hiring some one to do a job. Price is one of them. However ensure he is competitive with his peers.
          Lastly a home inspector is supposed to be able to gave an objective report on your home. How can he do that when he has a relationship with your Real Estate agent. Lots of Home Inspectors provide kick backs to Real Estate Agents - it's a fact. So who is he working for - you or the agent trying to make a sell. I don't know and neither do you. You want to ask both of them individually "Does he pay a referral fee for the Agents business? a kickback? If he does, then go out and hire one on your own. Also report him to his Professional Association ans possibly to his state licensing board. Interview them as you would anyone else. Make sure he understands he works for you and not any agent or any one else. In fact, try not to have the agent there when he inspects if possible.

Watch out for this guy!

          Make sure and bring your coveralls and a flashlight on inspection day and be prepared to crawl under the house with him. You may not want to, but this is one time when you should have a good look at your home. If he's a good inspector you'll learn a ton of stuff. Ask about this in advance, if he doesn't want you to go around with him then don't hire him. He should be through, and talking and teaching you stuff about your prospective house and house systems the whole time.