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While most states require no formal licensing of home inspectors, reputable companies adhere to the rigid standards of practice established by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI). Many state inspection organizations (the California Real Estate Inspectors Association, the Florida Association of Building Inspectors, the Texas Association of Real Estate Inspectors, just to name a few) impose standards as well.
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Qualified inspection companies will provide a sample report to substantiate that they abide by industry standards. One of the key standards is that ethical inspectors neither perform repairs nor refer clients to repair companies (thus avoiding a conflict of interest). Obviously, inspectors who make repairs on homes they inspect are more likely to "find" defects. |
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| Once you have arranged for a home inspection, plan to accompany the inspector for the entire procedure. You have the right to be there, and leading home inspection companies will encourage your presence. It helps you to better understand the findings in the report, and will reduce post-closing hassles. Don't forget your list of questions and items of concern. A thorough home inspection covers more than 1,000 items-everything from the foundation to roof and takes two to three hours depending on the size of the property. The report should reflect the condition of about 400 items. | |
To help you choose a qualified company that will conduct a thorough inspection of your property and provide you with an objective report on the condition of your home, call several inspection companies and ask them the following questions:
 | Do you follow industry standards? |
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| | Are you willing to supply me with a sample report? |
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| | Are you a full time home inspection company? |
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| | What other home services do you offer? |
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| | May I attend the inspection? |
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| | How much time will the inspection take? |
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| | When will the report be ready? |
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| | Do you perform repairs on items you inspect? |
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| | What will I receive with the inspection report? |
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| | What will be inspected? |
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| | How much will the service cost? |
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| | Do you carry errors and omissions and general liability insurance. |
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| | Do you provide an inspection agreement which defines the scope of the inspection? |
Also ask if they offer other benefits (such as repair manuals, maintenance guides, continued availability to answer questions), and will they provide a refund if you are not satisfied with their work. When you receive sample reports, ensure that they are thorough, easy to understand, and narrative in format. How do they compare with reports sent by other companies? How do their fees compare with those quoted by competitors? Remember, you get what you pay for.
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Steve Hatfield, Realtor® CENTURY 21 Curran & Christie 25636 Ford Road Dearborn Heights, MI 48127 Office: (313) 274-7200 eMail: |
NOTE! This home inspection guide has been reproduced from the booklet entitled "Home Inspection Guide For Buyers and Sellers". This information was prepared jointly by the American Homeowners Association (AHA) and AmeriSpec, Inc. Authorization to re-print this information on this web site has been granted by AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service (in Plymouth, Michigan). Information and photographs cannot be used, copied or reproduced for use on another web site without permission and/or authorization. All html coding, layout and original graphics are Copyright © 1996 - Steve Hatfield - and may not be used, copied or reproduced on another web site. Steve Hatfield makes no guarantees or warranties as to the information provided herein. A link to AmeriSpec Home Inspection Service in Plymouth, Michigan may be found on this web sites links page under "Detroit Area Links."
Visit Steve's other web site at DearbornHomes.com