Hiring a Home Inspector

Contributed by Greg Bailey

How long have you been a professional home inspector?
How many home inspections have you done?
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A seasoned home inspector will have completed 250 inspections.
Are you either state certified - or a member of a reputable national association for home inspectors?
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Just one of many national associations is the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), founded in 1976, is one of North America's oldest and most respected professional societies of home inspectors.
Do you have any hands on experience in construction, architecture or engineering?
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Related experience in construction and/or engineering is helpful. However, there is no substitute for training and experience in the unique discipline of home inspection.
What does your inspection cover?
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If there are specific items that you would like to be covered, be sure to address those items up front.
How long will the inspection take?
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The average on-site inspection time is two to three hours for a typical single-family house.
What type of inspection report do you provide?
How long will it take to receive the report?
Do you offer to do repairs or improvements based on the inspection?
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The answer to this question should be a loud and resounding "NO" as this could be a conflict of interest.
How much will it cost?
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A typical range might be $300-$500. Costs vary depending on the region, size and age of the house.