Recommendations for Choosing a Home Inspector

You want an ASHI, Full Member Inspector (qualifications include passing 2 extensive exams, performing 250 fee-paid inspections according to ASHI Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics, and 20 hours of annual continuing education)

In addition you want an inspector who:
• is experienced (more than five years of experience and of course has all the appropriate legal and insurance coverage)
• is very thorough (detailed and very specific - best way to make an informed decision and avoid surprises/controversy)
• encourages the client to follow along on the inspection and encourages them to stay focused on the inspection process so they can understand the process and ask questions then or in the future.
  
• is not an alarmist (don’t blow things out of proportion, some conditions are typical for the age of the home)
• provides an informed opinion (does not typically send you to another “expert” for an opinion or another inspection)
• is not on commission (many inspectors are paid a percentage of the inspection fee and are trying to get as many done as possible per day and throughout the year; typically resulting in not spending appropriate time with the client, a less thorough/specific report, etc.)
• does no more than 2 inspections/day (should have the first report done prior to going to the second inspection otherwise its harder to keep things straight, not the time for specifics and detail, no time for any follow-up questions/concerns/visits)
• is personable/physically fit (have to be able to relate and communicate to all types of people to help put them at ease and be physically fit enough to get into the attics and crawlspaces, on the roof, run the stairs, etc.)
• is readily available for questions/concerns before, during and after the inspection (“service before, during and after the sale”)
• writes a paragraph-style narrative report including a list of the more significant items (to assist in making a building resolution sheet) and provided within the following workday
  
  • not checklist type report (not specific and detailed enough, harder to defend legally)
  • not an "on-the-spot" generated report (does not typically allow for appropriate amount of thought)
  • not general clauses coming from a data base (unless they are edited to be made more detailed and specific)

Bonus if inspector:
• has degree in civil engineering (trained analytical thinker who is versed in some of the most important areas such as structure)
• is owner of the business (pride of ownership)

Note: Prefer the philosophy of having a second party do the termite inspection since you get more eyes and specific focus for typically the same price as the “one-inspector-does-all”.